Artwork Page for Silenus and King Midas

Details / Information for Silenus and King Midas

Silenus and King Midas

mid 16th century

Giulio Bonasone

(Italian, c. 1510–after 1576)

after Perino del Vaga

(Italian, 1501–1547)
Culture
Italy, 16th century
Medium
engraving
Support
Cream(1) laid paper
Measurements
Sheet: 16.9 x 22.9 cm (6 5/8 x 9 in.); Platemark: 15.9 x 21.9 cm (6 1/4 x 8 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection 1968.256
Catalogue raisonné
Bartsch XV.136.89 ; Massari 97
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

In Greek mythology Silenus was an old, drunken satyr (half-man, half-goat), who visited King Midas and was graciously received. In gratitude for Midas's generous hospitality, Dionysus, the god of wine and former pupil of Silenus, granted the king one wish. Midas asked for the power to turn everything that he touched into gold. However, he soon regretted his choice, for he was unable to eat food or drink water, as they also turned to gold. Finally, Dionysus released him from the enchantment.
Print in black ink with three bearded people in draping robes clustered on the left, one wearing a crown, looking down and gesturing with their right hand to thee nude figures. Two half-man, half-goat satyrs support a central figure crouching down, facing our left and looking to their right. Behind these three, in the upper right corner, a donkey with a furrowed brow looks out from behind trees.

Silenus and King Midas

mid 16th century

Giulio Bonasone, Perino del Vaga

(Italian, c. 1510–after 1576), (Italian, 1501–1547)
Italy, 16th century

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