Astronomy
File name: Astronomy
Title: Astronomy
Creator/Contributor: Puvis de Chavannes, Pierre, 1824-1898 (artist); Boston Public Library (sponsor); Lanzel, Sheryl (photographer)
Genre: Paintings; Murals
Date created: 1893-1896 (approximate)
Physical description: 1 painting : mural, oil on canvas ; visible image 14 x 7 feet
Physical description notes: Canvases completed in Puvis' studio in Paris and shipped over to Boston for installation in 1895-96. Canvas applied to the walls of the grand staircase gallery using an adhesive technique called marouflage. The artist used encaustic wax in the painting process to make the surface appear matte and more fresco-like.
Summary/Abstract: Representing the discipline of Astronomy, Chaldean shepherds lean against a rocky outcrop and observe the stars, which are rendered as small light flecks in the top portion of the canvas. In this scene, the shepherds discover the law of numbers. A woman peers out of a shelter in the lower left section of the image.
General notes: Title from Description of the Decorative Paintings by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes.
Date notes: On May 25, 1893, the Trustees of the BPL contracted Pierre Puvis de Chavannes for mural work completed between 1893 and 1896. As the aging artist was reluctant to travel to Boston, he painted the panels on canvas in his Neuilly studio in France. The panels were then shipped over to the library; installation was completed in 1896.
Subjects: Shepherds; Astronomy
Collection: Mural Cycles at the Central Library, Copley Square
Location: Chavannes Gallery Murals: The Muses of Inspiration Hail the Spirit, the Messenger of Light
Rights: Copyright (c) Sheryl Lanzel
Astronomy
File name: Astronomy
Title: Astronomy
Creator/Contributor: Puvis de Chavannes, Pierre, 1824-1898 (artist); Boston Public Library (sponsor); Lanzel, Sheryl (photographer)
Genre: Paintings; Murals
Date created: 1893-1896 (approximate)
Physical description: 1 painting : mural, oil on canvas ; visible image 14 x 7 feet
Physical description notes: Canvases completed in Puvis' studio in Paris and shipped over to Boston for installation in 1895-96. Canvas applied to the walls of the grand staircase gallery using an adhesive technique called marouflage. The artist used encaustic wax in the painting process to make the surface appear matte and more fresco-like.
Summary/Abstract: Representing the discipline of Astronomy, Chaldean shepherds lean against a rocky outcrop and observe the stars, which are rendered as small light flecks in the top portion of the canvas. In this scene, the shepherds discover the law of numbers. A woman peers out of a shelter in the lower left section of the image.
General notes: Title from Description of the Decorative Paintings by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes.
Date notes: On May 25, 1893, the Trustees of the BPL contracted Pierre Puvis de Chavannes for mural work completed between 1893 and 1896. As the aging artist was reluctant to travel to Boston, he painted the panels on canvas in his Neuilly studio in France. The panels were then shipped over to the library; installation was completed in 1896.
Subjects: Shepherds; Astronomy
Collection: Mural Cycles at the Central Library, Copley Square
Location: Chavannes Gallery Murals: The Muses of Inspiration Hail the Spirit, the Messenger of Light
Rights: Copyright (c) Sheryl Lanzel