| Cadmus and Harmonia | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Artist | Evelyn De Morgan |
| Year | 1877 |
| Type | Oil on canvas, history painting |
| Dimensions | 148.5 cm× 89.5 cm(58.5 in× 35.2 in) |
| Location | Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton |
Cadmus and Harmonia is an oil painting by the English artist Evelyn De Morgan, from 1877. [1] [2]
Combining nude art and history painting, it is inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses , in the episode in which Cadmus is transformed into a serpent. He is shown embracing his naked wife Harmonia. De Morgan has recently visited Italy and Harmonia's stance resembles that of Botticelli's The Birth of Venus . She makes a significant change in portraying Harmonia as a much younger woman than in described by Ovid. [3]
It was the first of De Morgan's paintings to be exhibited at the Dudley Gallery in London. It was purchased by the Liberal politician Sir Charles Dilke. [4]