Study for Luna and Attendants c. 1893

Elihu Vedder made this study for Luna and Attendants with graphite and gouache on paper. The image depicts Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon, centrally placed between personifications of Night and Sleep. Vedder was an American Symbolist painter, and in this work he draws on classical mythology, a common interest for artists working in the late 19th century. During this time, the American art world was looking to establish its cultural credentials, often referencing the art and history of Europe. Vedder spent much of his career in Italy, absorbing its artistic traditions and mythological themes. It is interesting to see how Vedder uses the female nude, a staple of European painting, to represent these allegorical figures. The artwork reflects a particular moment in American art, as it seeks to find its identity by engaging with European traditions. We can research the impact of European academies on American artists to further enrich our understanding of Vedder's artistic choices.