The Pleiades

Art Historical Context

Elihu Vedder's *The Pleiades* (1885), an oil on canvas measuring 24 1/8 x 37 5/8 inches, captures the mythical seven sisters from Greek mythology—nymphs transformed into stars—as ethereal, dancing female nudes. Painted during Vedder's later career, when he was deeply immersed in Rome's artistic circles, the work exemplifies his signature Symbolist style, blending Pre-Raphaelite influences with mystical allegory. The luminous figures float against a cosmic backdrop, their flowing forms and soft modeling evoking celestial grace and the harmony of the universe. Oil on canvas allowed Vedder to achieve rich, velvety textures and glowing highlights, techniques honed from his studies of Renaissance masters like Botticelli. As an American artist abroad (1836–1923), Vedder bridged transatlantic tastes, infusing Victorian-era mythology with Aesthetic Movement ideals of beauty and ornamentation. Displayed in The Met's American Wing, it reflects the era's fascination with classical themes amid industrialization. Gifted by George A. Hearn in 1910, *The Pleiades* remains a highlight of American Symbolism, inviting visitors to ponder the timeless dance between humanity and the stars.

About the Artist

Elihu Vedder · 1836–1923

Elihu Vedder was born on February 26, 1836, in New York City to Dr. Elihu Vedder Sr., a dentist, and his cousin Elizabeth Vedder. As a young boy, his family relocated to Cuba for his father's ventures, an experience that sparked his artistic aspirations amid the Caribbean landscapes. He later divided his time between a boarding school and his maternal grandfather Alexander Vedder's home in Schenec...