Design for a Mural with the Battle between the Gods of Olympus and the Giants

Paul Chenavard French

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Large design, probably a presentation drawing, consisting of four sheets. The architectural details are painted on separate sheets and pasted on top. The drawing shows a design for a monumental mural depicting a battle between the Gods of Olympus and the Giants. In line with Chenavard’s other works this is probably an allegorical depiction of a deeper, philosophical theme. The composition of the sheet seems closely related to Chenavard’s project for the Pantheon in Paris where he proposed to paint a monumental cycle entitled ‘The Philosophy of History’. Napoleon III cancelled the commission however and the cartoons were shown only ones in 1855 at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. They are now kept in the Musée des Beaux Arts in Lyon.

Design for a Mural with the Battle between the Gods of Olympus and the Giants, Paul Chenavard (French, Paris 1808–1895 Paris), Pen and black ink, brush and washes in green, gray and brown tones

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