Artwork
Arion on a Sea Horse
Arion on a Sea Horse is an oil painting by the Realist artist William Adolphe Bouguereau. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The pairing of Arion with a dolphin references the ancient tale in which the poet, facing peril at sea, was carried to safety by a dolphin drawn by his music.
The painting depicts the mythological Greek poet and musician Arion seated upon a dolphin, referred to in period sources as a "sea horse." According to legend, Arion was a celebrated lyric poet whose mastery of the lyre allowed him to charm even marine creatures. Bouguereau's composition shows the figure holding a lyre, his identifying attribute.
The pairing of Arion with a dolphin references the ancient tale in which the poet, facing peril at sea, was carried to safety by a dolphin drawn by his music. The work represents themes of artistic power, divine rescue, and the transformative effect of music, rendered through classical iconography drawn from Greek mythology.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1855 by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, this work is an oil painting on canvas measuring 71.3 cm in height and 111.8 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece depicts the mythological figure Arion riding a dolphin while holding a lyre, adhering to the representational traditions of French academic art of the mid-19th century. The smooth blending and detailed finish are characteristic of Bouguereau's technique.
History & Provenance
William-Adolphe Bouguereau painted Arion on a Sea Horse in 1855 while working in France. The oil-on-canvas measures 71.3 × 111.8 cm and shows the mythological figure Arion perched on a dolphin with a lyre. The work is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, recorded under accession number 1980.238.1. No further ownership details prior to museum acquisition are provided in the available records.
Overview
Arion on a Sea Horse is an oil painting created in 1855 by the French academic artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau. This work exemplifies his characteristic approach to mythological subjects, rendered with a high degree of realism and polished finish. The composition centers on the classical figure of Arion, depicted in a dynamic pose atop a fantastical marine creature, reflecting the artistic conventions of the mid-19th century.
Legacy
During his lifetime, William-Adolphe Bouguereau was a highly esteemed artist, receiving significant recognition and commanding high prices for his work in both France and the United States. His adherence to academic principles, particularly in his mythological and genre scenes, resonated with official tastes. However, his traditional style later drew criticism from the emerging Impressionist avant-garde, who sought new artistic expressions.
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Artist & collection
Artist
William-Adolphe Bouguereau (French pronunciation:; 30 November 1825 – 19 August 1905) was a French academic painter.
