Astarte
Sargent created this small study in preparation for his rather esoteric murals depicting the history of religion at the Boston Public Library. Astarte—a goddess of the ancient world associated with love, fertility, and sometimes war—is portrayed in the lower half of the composition in her diaphanous veils. In this broadly painted sketch, Sargent focused on Astarte’s relation to other elements of the composition, including the Egyptian goddess Neith, whose inverted head is shown at center next to a zodiacal chart, as well as the bull-headed Moloch.
Artwork Details
- Title: Astarte
- Artist: John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
- Date: ca. 1890–95
- Culture: American
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 38 5/8 x 12 in. (98.1 x 30.5 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Francis Ormond, 1950
- Object Number: 50.130.3
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
1870
John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
1870
John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
1870
John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
1870
John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
1870
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