The Birth of Pandora

James Barry 1741 - 1806

Summary

Dramatic history scene of The Birth of Pandora. Jupiter and Juno are seated on right, with Mercury seated below and Hebe kneeling with cup and plate. Pandora reclines on left, with Venus and Cupid holding girdle behind her, two Graces anointing and dressing her hair, while the third Grace ties her sandal. Hymen with marriage torch looks on as Minerva presents Pandora with a tapestry shuttle to instruct her in the arts. On the far left are Apollo and Bacchus, with Vulcan in front guarding a bird emerging from its shell and releasing a butterfly symbolising Pandora's soul. Behind Jupiter's torch are the Three Fates, one advancing with the urn.

Display Label

Grand Tour and Grand Style The Influence of Travel Improvements in European travel during the 1700s had a wide-ranging impact on British culture. A particularly significant influence was the Grand Tour, which became almost obligatory for young gentlemen. Grand Tourists were led across Europe by tutors to study art, history and politics for two or three years. The Grand Tour focused on Italy, particularly Rome, and often incorporated new archaeological sites such as those at Herculaneum and Pompei, near Naples. Ancient antiquities were heavily trafficked across Europe and continental works of art flooded into Britain. A period of especially active collecting took place between the end of the Seven Years War in 1763 and the rise of Napoleon in the 1790s. As more artists and designers also visited the continent their work became increasingly informed by travel. The serious themes of classical antiquity and European art led to a new departure in painting called the Grand Style. This championed classical, historical or literary subjects, and inspired radical changes in portraiture and landscape. Widespread interest in Greek and Roman remains also fostered fresh interpretations of ancient designs by pioneers of decorative art such as Josiah Wedgwood.