Artwork

Pan und Bacchantinnen

Pan und Bacchantinnen, by August Weckesser, oil, 1896
Pan und Bacchantinnen, by August Weckesser, oil, 1896

Pan und Bacchantinnen is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist August Weckesser. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Pan und Bacchantinnen is a painting created by August Weckesser in 1896, exemplifying the post-impressionist style. Executed in oil paint, it is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a scene from ancient Greek and Roman mythology, featuring a group of figures in a forest. A central figure lies on the ground, either injured or deceased, surrounded by others in classical attire, conveying a sense of distress or revelry.

Technique & Style

Weckesser's use of chiaroscuro and oil paint creates a sense of depth, texture, and emotional contrast. The muted, earthy color palette adds to the dramatic tension, characteristic of post-impressionist works.

Artist & collection

Portrait of August Weckesser

Artist

August Weckesser

August Weckesser (28 November 1821, in Winterthur – 11 January 1899, in Rome) was a Swiss painter, known primarily for history paintings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Kunsthaus Zürich open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.