Artwork
Ariel: 'Where the Bee Sucks...'
Ariel: 'Where the Bee Sucks...' is an oil painting by the Romanticist artist Joseph Severn. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Ariel: 'Where the Bee Sucks.
About this work
Overview
Ariel: 'Where the Bee Sucks...' is an oil painting by Joseph Severn, depicting the mythical sprite Ariel from Shakespeare's The Tempest.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates Ariel's carefree nature, as expressed in the play's song 'Merrily, merrily shall I live now, Under the blossom that hangs on the bough', highlighting the intersection of art and literature.
Technique & Style
Severn's work reflects Romanticism, characterized by an emphasis on emotion and the sublime, though specific technical details of this piece are not highlighted in available information.
History & Provenance
Severn exhibited multiple Ariel paintings at the Royal Academy; another version is held in the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) collection (item 1410-1869).
Context
Created within the Romantic movement, the painting demonstrates how 19th-century artists drew inspiration from classical literature, fostering a cross-artistic dialogue.
Legacy
While the painting's direct impact is not broadly documented, it contributes to the broader legacy of artistic interpretations of Shakespeare's works, reflecting enduring literary influence on visual arts.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Severn (7 December 1793 – 3 August 1879) was an English portrait and subject painter and a personal friend of the English poet John Keats.
