Figures Attacked by Serpents

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Figures Attacked by Serpents *Raymond Lafage (French, 1656–1684), 1800–25* This dramatic work, attributed to the French Baroque artist Raymond Lafage captures a tense mythological scene of figures entangled and attacked by serpents. Lafage, a master draftsman and painter active in Toulouse and Rome, renowned for his dynamic compositions blending classical antiquity with vigorous movement, often drawing from ancient myths like the Laocoön story. Though Lafage died in 1684, this piece dates to 1800–25, suggesting it may be a later reproduction, etching, or workshop copy—common for popularizing his designs during the Neoclassical revival. The unknown medium aligns with Lafage's frequent use of drawings and prints, which allowed wide dissemination of his energetic figures and twisting forms. Its classification as "figures" highlights the focus on human anatomy under duress, a hallmark of Baroque expressiveness emphasizing emotion and pathos. A generous gift from Mrs. Grafton H. Pyne to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, this artwork reflects enduring fascination with Lafage's style amid ongoing research. It invites visitors to ponder the terror and heroism in classical tales, bridging 17th-century France with 19th-century tastes. (198 words)