Arion on a Sea Horse

William Adolphe Bouguereau painted ‘Arion on a Sea Horse’ in 1855. Arion, a legendary figure, is seen riding a sea horse. Cleveland Museum of Art.

The medium is oil on fabric. Bouguereau’s brushwork is detailed and smooth, emphasizing mythological themes. The painting is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.

The myth of Arion involves his rescue by dolphins after being kidnapped by pirates. Bouguereau’s work captures the fantastical element of this ancient tale.

Bouguereau completed 822 known paintings, yet many remain untraced. His realistic style fell out of favor in the early 20th century but saw a resurgence in the 1980s.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, https://clevelandart.org/art/1980.238.1

https://oolf.net/open-art/bouguereau-arion-on-a-sea-horse-1855/