Aurora and Cephalus by Anne-Louis Girodet de Roucy-Trioson
Description: "Aurora and Cephalus" by Anne-Louis Girodet de Roucy-Trioson is a neoclassical painting depicting a scene from Greek mythology. Created in 1810, the artwork portrays the dawn goddess Aurora in a passionate moment of longing for the mortal Cephalus, whom she has abducted. Aurora is shown draped in flowing, translucent garments, her figure illuminated by soft, radiant light, while Cephalus, a handsome young hunter, appears in a posture of resistance and surprise. Girodet’s use of delicate colors, meticulous detail, and graceful forms reflects his neoclassical style, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity and emphasizing idealized beauty, emotion, and mythological themes.
Anne-Louis Girodet de Roucy-Trioson, a French painter born in 1767, was known for his refinement and elegance in portraying mythological and historical subjects. As a student of Jacques-Louis David, Girodet combined neoclassical principles with a sense of romanticism and sensuality. "Aurora and Cephalus" exemplifies his ability to blend classical inspiration with expressive emotion and sophisticated composition.
Details:
-
Location and Date Created: France, 1810.
-
Medium: Oil on canvas.
-
Full Artwork Name: Aurora and Cephalus.
-
Artwork Style: Neoclassicism.
-
Subject/Topic: The mythological encounter between Aurora, the goddess of dawn, and the mortal Cephalus, capturing themes of divine love and human resistance.