An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Silenus1838
Artist: Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
French, 1796 - 1875
97 1/2 x 70 1/2 in. (247.65 x 179.07 cm) (canvas)
113 x 86 1/2 in. (287.02 x 219.71 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
France
19th century
Bequest of J. Jerome Hill
In the soft light of dawn, a whimsical spectacle unfolds on Corot’s canvas, nestled amidst a serene countryside that gently cradles the dreamlike charm of Greek and Roman mythology. Here lies Silenus, the devoted companion to the jovial wine god, Dionysus. His figure emerges from a heavy slumber, eyes half-open, caught in a moment that is both humorous and disarming.
As the mist begins to lift, Silenus, who had been lost in a blissful haze of revelry, discovers to his surprise that his reveling companions have woven garlands of vines around him like a playful tribute. His cheeks, once a simple shade of rosy flesh, are now painted a vibrant crimson by the juice of mulberries, evidence of the festivities that preceded this amusing awakening. The laughter of his friends dances in the air, mingling with the whispering leaves and soft rustle of wine-laden branches, creating a melody of merriment.
In this picturesque landscape, Silenus embodies the spirit of grace and good humor. Instead of begrudging his playful entrapment, he joins in the laughter, a testament to the joy that can be found in light-heartedness and camaraderie. All around him, nature flourishes, offering a tranquil backdrop to this delightful scene where mischief and friendship intertwine.
This captivating depiction is a brilliant example of “historical landscape painting,” a style that found its voice through Nicholas Poussin, the deeply influential French artist of the 1600s. Poussin's brush hinted at a world where mythological tales unfolded amidst serene and idyllic settings, making a silent invitation to viewers to step into the stories that breathe within the hues and strokes of the landscape.
As we gaze upon this artwork, we are reminded of the simple yet profound connections that tie us to one another, much like Silenus to his revelers, and the beauty found in embracing the laughter that life bestows upon us, even amid chaos.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.