Pygmalion and Galatea

Jean-Léon Gérôme

Created:
Movement:
1895
Academicism
key Notes:
Mythological Transformation, Romantic Realism
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Dimensions:
35 x 27 in. (88.9 x 68.6 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

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Pygmalion and Galatea by Jean-Léon Gérôme

"Pygmalion and Galatea", painted by Jean-Léon Gérôme in 1895, is an exemplary work of the Academic art tradition, showcasing the artist's mastery in oil on canvas. The painting depicts the mythological story of Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with a statue he has carved, which is brought to life by the goddess Venus. Gérôme's attention to detail and his ability to capture the moment of transformation highlight his skill in rendering both human emotion and mythological themes. This work reflects the 19th-century fascination with classical antiquity and the exploration of themes of creation and transformation. Jean-Léon Gérôme, a prominent French painter and sculptor, was known for his precise technique and his role in popularizing Orientalism in Western art. His works have had a lasting impact on both academic painting and the broader art historical narrative of the 19th century.

Description of the work:

Pygmalion and Galatea by Jean-Léon Gérôme

Jean-Léon Gérôme's "Pygmalion and Galatea," created in 1895, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Academic art style, characterized by its precise detail and classical themes. The artwork depicts the mythological moment when the sculptor Pygmalion's statue, Galatea, comes to life, capturing the transition from inanimate to animate with meticulous realism.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Pygmalion and Galatea