Artwork Page for Oblation

Details / Information for Oblation

Oblation

1990

Francesco Clemente

(Italian, b. 1952)
Culture
Italy, 20th century
Medium
oil and tempera on linen
Measurements
Framed: 201.3 x 274.5 x 4.8 cm (79 1/4 x 108 1/16 x 1 7/8 in.); Unframed: 200.7 x 274.3 cm (79 x 108 in.)
Credit Line
Dorothea Wright Hamilton Fund 1993.164
Copyright
© Francesco Clemente, Courtesy: Mary Boone Gallery, New York
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Clemente created over 200 paintings for film director Alfonso Cuarón’s Great Expectations (1998).

Description

Hinduism is the predominant religion in India, where Francesco Clemente has spent considerable time over the past two decades. In Oblation, which means a religious offering, he combines the simplified forms and large scale of contemporary western painting with elements of Hindu culture. The figure in the complicated pose at the top of the painting is practicing yoga, the physical and mental discipline that leads to the union of body and soul. The animals below symbolize some of the creative spiritual forces in Indian mythology. The elephant suggests wisdom and longevity; the cow may signifiy motherhood and purity; the horse often represents military power; and Varuna, the Hindu god of water, rides a crocodile. The mystical combination suggests the sacred harmony that results when humans show respect for animals.

Oblation

1990

Francesco Clemente

(Italian, b. 1952)
Italy, 20th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

    To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

    All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.