Dionysian Frieze, c. 1787-1790
Jean-Guillaume Moitteexpand_more
Graphite, pen and brush with black ink, green and gray wash, and white gouache, on two joined sheetsexpand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more
The French sculptor Jean-Guillaume Moitte spent two years in Rome, and this long, relief-like drawing reflects his study of ancient Roman art. In both format and subject it recalls a famous Roman wall painting, The Aldobrandini Wedding, dating from the time of Emperor Augustus and excavated in Rome in 1601.
Represented here from left to right are the stages of a young woman’s initiation into carnal love. To the accompaniment of music, and led by a more knowing companion, she is carried by a faun toward the realm of lust. Then, startled and modestly covering her face and genitals, she is shown the phallus of a male herm. In the final scene, reclining now, she passionately kisses an aroused satyr.
Details
- Title
- Dionysian Frieze
- Artist Life
- 1746 - 1810
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 83.71
- Provenance
- [Jacques Fischer, Paris, bought at auction; 1980]; [F. A. den Broeder, Colnaghi, New York, by 1982-1983; sold to MIA]
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Gramaccini 1993, II, no.108
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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