'Ariadne Abandoned by Theseus; Ariadne Watches for his Return; Artemis Releases her by Death'

Painting details

Title: 'Ariadne Abandoned by Theseus; Ariadne Watches for his Return; Artemis Releases her by Death'
Date: c.1868
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 114 x 157 cm
Location: Salar Jang Museum, Hyderabad

Interpretation

Ariadne fell in love with Theseus when he arrived in Crete to battle the minotaur, giving him a ball of thread to help him find his way out of the maze. She later fled with him, but Theseus abandoned her whilst she slept at Naxos. She awoke to see the sails of his ship leaving. This painting shows her waiting in vain for his return.

Description

Full-length reclining female figure, lying on her back, in three-quarter perspective, turned to the left. The head is raised and the feet lowered. The right arm is raised on rocks, the left arm rests by her left side. The figure is in classical dress and lies on drapery, arranged over rocks. The background shows the sea and coastline. The sea is also visible to the left of the composition.

Provenance

A. G. Kurtz; W. J. (later Viscount) Pirrie; Salar Jang Museum, Hyderabad

Bibliography

• Barrington, Mrs. Russell, 'The Life, Letters and Work of Frederic, Lord Leighton', George Allen, London, 1906, volume II, p.370
• Jones, Stephen, et al., 'Frederic Leighton (1830-1896)', Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1996, p.30, illustrated on p.80
• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.89, 96, 159 catalogue number 180, plate 114
• Rhys, Ernest, 'Frederic Lord Leighton, Late President of the Royal Academy of Arts: An Illustrated Record of his Life and

Exhibition history

• 1868, Royal Academy of Arts, catalogue number 328
• 1886, Liverpool Loan Exhibition, catalogue number 1226
• 04 January 1897 to 13 March 1897, 'Exhibition of Works be the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton President of the Royal Academy: Winter Exhibition', The Royal Academy of Arts, London, catalogue number 36