Artwork
Pyramus og Tisbe
Pyramus og Tisbe is an unspecified painting by Benoît Le Coffre. It dates from 1708 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Pyramus og Tisbe is a 1708 painting by Benoît Le Coffre, a French-Danish artist who served as court painter to King Frederick IV of Denmark. It exemplifies the early Rococo style in Denmark, characterized by its decorative and delicate approach.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the tragic myth of Pyramus and Thisbe from Ovid's Metamorphoses, depicting the star-crossed lovers in a dramatic, final moment. The scene conveys intense emotional tension through its composition and lighting.
Technique & Style
Le Coffre employed chiaroscuro to create depth and emphasize the central figures. The contrast between the dark, mysterious landscape and the distant, glowing light heightens the dramatic and emotional impact of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1708, Pyramus og Tisbe is part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains as an early example of Danish Rococo.
Artist & collection
Artist
Benoît Le Coffre (1671 – 1722) was a Danish painter of French descent. He became King Frederick IV's Court Painter in 1700 and is considered the earliest representative of light Rococo painting in Denmark.
