Theseus and Pirithoüs Clearing the Earth of Brigands by Marie-Joséphine-Angélique Mongez

Theseus and Pirithoüs Clearing the Earth of Brigands 1806

drawing

pencil sketch

charcoal drawing

charcoal art

pencil drawing

underpainting

france

surrealism

portrait drawing

surrealist

charcoal

graphite

"Theseus and Pirithoüs Clearing the Earth of Brigands" is a 1806 drawing by Marie-Joséphine-Angélique Mongez, depicting a scene from Greek mythology. The work shows the heroes Theseus and Pirithoüs, on horseback, rescuing a woman from a group of brigands. The dynamic composition and use of chiaroscuro create a sense of drama and action. This drawing reflects the Neoclassical style popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by its emphasis on classical themes and forms. Mongez's drawing, currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a striking example of her skill as a draftsman and her understanding of the human form.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Mongez enjoyed success as a history painter–a rare and grand achievement for a woman artist active during the Napoleonic era. She studied with Jacques-Louis David, the most influential artist in France. Mongez’s paintings were exhibited at the Paris Salons from 1802 until 1827. Mongez’s drawing relates to a painting exhibited at the Salon of 1806, which was acquired by the Russian Prince Youssoupoff. Plutarch’s "Life of Theseus" inspired the composition. The legendary Greek hero sought to rid his kingdom of brigands. Here, Theseus and his companion the Lapith Pirithoüs rescue two maidens from their abductors. Theseus wields a club at the bandit who attempts to flee on horseback, while Peirithoüs, after overpowering a second bandit with his sword, lowers a maiden from a rearing horse. Mongez’s mastery of David’s lessons is revealed in the skillfully drawn figures, horses, and drapery all disposed in a rhythmic composition. In contrast to the passages of black and white chalks, Mongez subtly colors Pirithoüs’s sword sheath with light blue chalk and flesh tones in ochre chalk.