Page 124 - cn - er - The Spirit of Belvoir Studio 25-10-2022 update concise version
P. 124
The still life composition contrasts the solidity of ‘The Three Graces’ sculpture and the part design of
the Don Quixote Tapestry that hangs behind.
The picture is contemporised by colour borders on the left and right sides which form an inner visual
space. The base of the sculpture is not included, thereby seemingly animating the female figures as
they seem to be within a setting of colour and pattern.
The Don Quixote Tapestry series of 28 different subjects was given as a gift by Louis XVI to
Compte de Saint– Florentin Marquis de la Vrilliere in 1770. The 5th Duke acquired part of the eighth
tapestry series in Paris in 1814, designed by Charles Antoine Coypel for the Gobelin Paris workshop
during {1714 –1734}.
The painting explores the contrast of surfaces and the juxtaposition the two narratives of myth and
fanciful tale. Equally, the composition considers the relationship of form and colour space by limiting
the tapestry to an element; thereby abstracting the background .
‘The Three Graces’ after Antonia Canora’s Neo classical sculpture depicts the mythological Three
Charities and daughters of Zeus. Euphrosyne {mirth} - Aglaea {elegance} and Thalia
{youth and beauty}.
‘The Three Graces. The Regency Gallery’
Canvas: 48x48 inches