Artwork

Ceres

Ceres, by Gheorghe Tattarescu, unspecified, 1867
Ceres, by Gheorghe Tattarescu, unspecified, 1867

Ceres is an unspecified painting by Gheorghe Tattarescu. It dates from 1867 and is held in the collection of the Bucharest Municipality Museum.

About this work

Overview

Ceres is a religious painting created by Romanian artist Gheorghe Tattarescu around 1867, now housed at the Museum of Ethnography. Characterized by its neoclassical style, the work features a serene depiction of a mythological figure.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Ceres, a figure from classical mythology, symbolizing agriculture and fertility. She is shown with a bundle of wheat and accompanied by a winged child holding grapes, emphasizing themes of abundance and protection.

Technique & Style

Tattarescu employed a structured composition and classical motifs, hallmark of his neoclassical approach. The piece utilizes chiaroscuro, with soft blues, greens, and earthy tones set against a glowing, cloud-filled background, creating a sense of calm through the interplay of light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1867 by Gheorghe Tattarescu, a pivotal figure in introducing neoclassicism to Romanian modern art, 'Ceres' is currently part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gheorghe Tattarescu

Artist

Gheorghe Tattarescu

Gheorghe Tattarescu (Romanian pronunciation: ; October 1818 – October 24, 1894) was a Romanian painter and a pioneer of neoclassicism in his country's modern painting.