Theseus and Ariadne

Object Details

Artist

Paul Manship, born St. Paul, MN 1885-died New York City 1966

Luce Center Label

Man Observing Sleeping Nude is also known as Theseus and Ariadne. According to Greek legend, Theseus traveled to Crete to kill the Minotaur, a half man and half beast who lived in a labyrinth. The king’s daughter, Ariadne, fell in love with Theseus, and helped him defeat the monster and find his way out of the labyrinth. After they both escaped, Theseus abandoned Ariadne while she was sleeping, and this sculpture depicts the moment just before he disappeared.

Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship

1928

Object number

1966.47.24

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

bronze

Dimensions

7 3/4 x 13 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (19.7 x 34.3 x 14.0 cm)

See more items in

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department

Painting and Sculpture

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Topic

State of being\other\sleep

Mythology\classical\Ariadne

Mythology\classical\Theseus

Record ID

saam_1966.47.24

Metadata Usage (text)

Not determined

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk784ea0513-9c68-473c-bf1f-33e8eb812b4e