King Midas Feasting At The Arrival of Silenus
Original title: King Midas Feasting At The Arrival of Silenus
kurzbeschreibung
Bernard Picart, active in the late 17th to early 18th century, captured King Midas as he welcomes Silen with celebration. Executed in pen and brown ink, with brown wash and white heightening on blue paper, a motif from ancient legend unfolds.
Description
Arranged in an oval grouping, figures cluster around a table in devoted revelry. Some wear ordinary clothing, others go barefoot; they sit, stand, or rest on the ground. A horse, trees, and a suggested sky in the background hint at a rural setting. Conversation, food, and drink enliven the gathering.
Context
Picart, a French engraver and draftsman, was known for mythological and biblical subjects. This sheet takes up the tale of King Midas, who captured and entertained the satyr Silen. The artist worked in an era when antiquity served as a model for the visual arts.
Impact
Fine execution and lively figures give the sheet a narrative pull. The monochrome tone with graduated grays creates depth and calm, while the layout directs the eye to the feast.
Technique
Pen and brown ink, brown wash, and white heightening — the latter slightly oxidized — determine the execution. The blue paper contrasts with the brown tones and gives the drawing a distinct luminosity. Precise, detailed linework characterizes the work.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)