Ariadne

Makerpossibly by Laurent Delvaux (Flemish, ca. 1695 - 1778)

Additional Title(s)

Adriadne

ClassificationsSCULPTURE

Dateca. 1720

Mediummarble

Dimensions9 1/4 x 24 in. (23.5 x 61 cm.)

DescriptionThis sculpture portrays Ariadne, a Cretan princess and the daughter of King Minos of Crete in Greek mythology.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextThis figure is based on a classical marble of the sleeping Cleopatra in the Vatican in Rome, a work of art well known to British aristocrats returning from their Grand Tours. Part of a growing interest in antique art that led to the development of Neoclassical style, a number of pairs of reclining figures, such as the two on display in this hall, were made in the London workshop shared for a time by the Flemish sculptor Delvaux and his partner and rival Peter Scheemakers. Their small scale made them perfect for display on mantelpieces and tabletops, where they spoke of their owners' knowledge and good taste.

Object number68.10B

Terms