Astarte
Original title: Astarte
kurzbeschreibung
John Singer Sargent painted "Astarte" around 1890–95 in oil on canvas. This vertical picture presents the goddess Astarte in a blue robe adorned with gold, set within an ornamental frame and against a luminous background. It belongs to a series of decorative wall paintings that Sargent created for the Boston Public Library.
Description
A goddess stands on a pedestal, dressed in a blue robe densely covered with golden ornaments. A golden circle with a delicate pattern dominates the background, surrounded by intense red and gold tones. Above the figure hovers a being with a golden halo, emphasizing the celestial. The layout is strictly symmetrical, and visible brushstrokes give the surface a lively texture.
Context
Sargent received the commission for the Boston Public Library murals, which depict scenes from religious history, in 1890; the series continued until 1919, with "Astarte" among the early pieces. Astarte was a goddess of fertility and war worshipped in the ancient Near East. For her depiction, Sargent consulted archaeological and iconographic sources to make the appearance historically credible.
Impact
The bright colors and symmetrical arrangement evoke a solemn, almost ritual mood. Golden sheen and rich ornamentation lend the picture a decorative aura that underscores the goddess's sacred character. The precise painting invites lingering and conveys monumental calm.
Technique
Executed in oil on canvas, Sargent used visible, sometimes impasto brushstrokes to achieve texture and sheen. The golden impression arises from layering warm yellow and red tones, contrasted with cool blue accents. The delicate ornaments are set with precise, small brush movements, suggesting a careful working method.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)