Steigerende Pegasus met inscriptie

About this artwork

Pendant van "Voorzijde van een grote (Carthageense?) munt met het hoofd van Persephone" (inv. nr. RP-T-1959-141).

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite *Steigerende Pegasus metscriptie* (Rearing Pegasus with Inscription by French Romantic artist Achille Devéria (0–1857), sometime between 1825 and1857. Rendered paper with a modest diameter 65 mm, this delicate drawing vividly captures the mythical winged horse Pegasus rearing triumphantly, accompanied by an enigmatic inscription. Devéria, renowned for his lithographic prowess and evocative historical illustrations, masterfully evokes the energy of classical antiquity in this intimate scale. As the pendant—or counterpart—to *Voorzijde van een grote (Carthageense?) munt met het hoofd van Persephone* (Obverse of a Large [Carthaginian?] Coin with the Head of Persephone, inv. no. RP-T-1959-141), it reconstructs both sides of an ancient coin, likely inspired by Mediterranean numismatics. Pegasus, a symbol of poetic inspiration and heroism from Greek mythology, often appeared on coins from regions like Corinth, reflecting trade and cultural exchanges in the ancient world. Paired with Persephone, goddess of spring and the underworld, it hints at Carthage's Hellenistic influences. Devéria's precise line work on paper exemplifies 19th-century Romantic fascination with archaeology, blending scholarly accuracy with artistic flair. This pair invites visitors to ponder the enduring allure of ancient motifs in modern hands—a tiny portal to lost civilizations.

About the Artist

Achille Devéria · 1800–1857

Achille Jacques-Jean-Marie Devéria (1800–1857) was a French painter and lithographer whose prolific output and sophisticated portrait work made him one of the most important visual chroniclers of French Romantic culture. Born in Paris on February 6, 1800, Devéria came of age during the Restoration period and became closely associated with the Romantic movement that dominated French arts and letter...