The Muse Euterpe Fireplace Panel
- Attributed to
- John Bacon I, English, 1740–1799
- Date
- c.1775
- Material
- Marble
- Classification
- Architectural elements, stone & mineral
- Collection
- Decorative Arts and Design
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 203
- Dimensions
- 45 1/4 in. x 9 in. x 2 3/8 in. (114.9 x 22.9 x 6 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 152:1966.2
NOTES
This fireplace panel demonstrates a style of bas-relief that incorporates elements such as ancient Greek figures, floral garlands, and medallions. It differs from more typical 18th-century fireplace designs that focused on symmetry and mathematical proportion. By the middle of the 18th century, designers had turned for inspiration to the excavations at Herculaneum, the city near Naples, Italy, that was buried in 79 CE after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The panel shows Euterpe, a daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Muse of music and lyric poetry, Euterpe is depicted playing a reed instrument.
The panel shows Euterpe, a daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Muse of music and lyric poetry, Euterpe is depicted playing a reed instrument.
Provenance
- 1966
Michael Hall Fine Arts, Inc., New York, NY
1966 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Michael Hall Fine Arts, Inc. [1]
Note:
[1] Per invoice dated May 31, 1966 [SLAM document files]; and Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and Associate Members of the Board of Control of the City Art Museum, May 19, 1966.
Michael Hall Fine Arts, Inc., New York, NY
1966 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Michael Hall Fine Arts, Inc. [1]
Note:
[1] Per invoice dated May 31, 1966 [SLAM document files]; and Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and Associate Members of the Board of Control of the City Art Museum, May 19, 1966.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.