Anacreon with the Infants Bacchus and Cupid
Modeled 1878, cast c. 1893
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
72.4 × 43.8 cm (28 1/2 × 17 1/4 in.)
Classification
statuette
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
729
Art Historical Context
Jean-Léon Gérôme's *Anacreon with the Bacchus and Cupid is a captivating bronze statuette, modeled in 1878 and cast around 1893. Standing at .4 × 43.8 cm, this intimate sculpture resides in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of Europe Gérôme, a leading French academic artist of the 19th century, masterfully blends realism with classical mythology, showcasing his skill in both painting and sculpture. The work draws from ancient Greek lore, portraying Anacreon, the poet celebrated for his verses on wine, love, and revelry, tenderly cradling the infant gods Bacch...
About the Artist
Jean Léon Gérôme · 1824–1904
Gérôme's father, a goldsmith from Vesoul, discouraged his son from studying to become a painter but agreed, reluctantly, to allow him a trial period in the studio of Paul Delaroche in Paris. He traveled and studied in Italy, elsewhere in Europe, and in Asia Minor. The subjects that he enjoyed most were scenes of nature and animals. He is best known for mythological and Comment on works: history pa...