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Silenus and King Midas
Giulio Bonasonemid 16th century
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
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.
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Details
- Title: Silenus and King Midas
- Creator: Giulio Bonasone (Italian, c. 1510-aft 1576), Perino del Vaga (Italian, 1500/01-1547)
- Date Created: mid 16th century
- Physical Dimensions: 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.)
- Type: Print
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1968.256
- Medium: engraving
- Inscriptions: lower center, in plate: I. BONASON·F· ; lower left, verso, in graphite: TR146201/1[crossed out] ; TR 14975/1 ; lower right, verso, in graphite: B89 THO BH ; lower right, verso, in graphite: 2050 12/15 [?]
- Department: Prints
- Culture: Italy, 16th century
- Credit Line: Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection
- Collection: PR - Engraving
- Accession Number: 1968.256
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