Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Ariadne in Naxos
Ariadne in Naxos

Image credit: De Morgan Collection

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

This is one of Evelyn’s earliest paintings, executed shortly after she left the Slade School of Art. It was also the first that she exhibited at the influential Grosvenor Gallery, in London. Like many of Evelyn’s earliest works, it is painted in a neo-classical style and is inspired by Greek mythology.

The painting depicts, Ariadne (the daughter of the King of Minos) who was abandoned by her lover Theseus, whilst she slept on the island of Naxos. Awakening to her fate, Ariadne is normally portrayed in a frenzied rage; in contrast, Evelyn shows her after her rage has subsided, solitary and desolate, her red robe conveying the idea of martyrdom. The many shells on the shoreline symbolise female sexuality, fertility and love.
Title

Ariadne in Naxos

Date

1877

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 59.8 x W 101.2 cm

Accession number

P_EDM_0003

Acquisition method

gift

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

De Morgan Collection

England

This venue is closed to the public.
View venue