A Mythological Scene with Sea Gods

Giuseppe Bernardino Bison

Associated Names
Giuseppe Bernardino Bison

Artist, Venetian, 1762 - 1844

The image shows three human figures and a cherub. Two figures are seated upright, while the third reclines on a draped surface. The two upright figures have refined facial features and styled hair, with one possibly adorned with a garland. The reclining figure, also with styled hair, is partially covered, with a focus on her extended lower body and exposed upper body. The figures' clothing is depicted in loose drapes. A small cherub-like figure with wings is engaging with them, holding an object resembling a mirror or tambourine. An additional reclining cherub is next to the third figure. The setting features flowing, expressive lines against an abstract, muted background with no distinct objects or structures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection (Lugt unidentified); Professor Tito Miotti, Udine, ITA, by 1962; Spencer Drummond Limited, Hamilton, Bermuda; William B. O'Neal [1907-1994], Charlottesville, VA, April 1977; gift to NGA, 1991.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1962

  • Il Collezionista di Disegni, Tito Miotti, Venice, 1962, 93.

  • Cento Disegni del Bison, Udine, ITA, 1962-63, 55.

Bibliography

1993

  • National Gallery of Art. Drawings from the O'Neal Collection. Exh. cat. Washington, 1993, checklist p. 91.

Inscriptions

lower right in pen and brown ink: Bison

Wikidata ID

Q64572478

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