Who painted Pyramus og Tisbe?

Pyramus og Tisbe was painted by Unknown in 1708.

Where can I see Pyramus og Tisbe?

Pyramus og Tisbe is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Pyramus og Tisbe?

Pyramus og Tisbe is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Pyramus og Tisbe

Unknown , 1708

Pyramus og Tisbe is a photography by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1708 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1708 by the artist identified as 34589_person, this oil painting is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1708 by the artist identified as 34589_person, this oil painting is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. The composition centers on a reclining couple on a rocky ledge, observed by a standing woman. The scene is enveloped in deep shadow, illuminated only by a hidden light source that highlights the figures and creates a dramatic atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a moment drawn from the tragic love story of Pyramus and Thisbe. A woman rests her head on a man's lap, while another female figure watches them from behind, suggesting themes of intimacy, secrecy, and impending sorrow. The muted expressions and the secluded setting reinforce the narrative’s emotional tension without explicit storytelling.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro to model form and generate spatial depth, allowing the illuminated bodies to emerge from the surrounding darkness. The contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the volume of flesh and the texture of the rocky surface. This handling of light recalls Baroque practices, yet the overall palette remains restrained, focusing attention on the central figures.

History & Provenance

Since its completion in the early eighteenth century, the painting has remained within institutional holdings, ultimately entering the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Documentation records the work’s attribution to 34589_person and its accession date, though earlier ownership details are not recorded in the available sources.