Theseus and Ariadne

Paul Manship, Theseus and Ariadne, 1928, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.24
Paul Manship, Theseus and Ariadne, 1928, bronze, 7 3⁄4 x 13 1⁄2 x 5 1⁄2 in. (19.7 x 34.3 x 14.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.24

Artwork Details

Title
Theseus and Ariadne
Artist
Date
1928
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
7 3⁄4 x 13 1⁄2 x 5 1⁄2 in. (19.7 x 34.3 x 14.0 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • State of being — other — sleep
  • Mythology — classical — Ariadne
  • Mythology — classical — Theseus
Object Number
1966.47.24
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.47.24

Artwork Description

Man Observing Sleeping Nude is also known as Theseus and Ariadne. According to Greek legend, Theseus traveled to Crete to kill the Minotaur, a half man and half beast who lived in a labyrinth. The king’s daughter, Ariadne, fell in love with Theseus, and helped him defeat the monster and find his way out of the labyrinth. After they both escaped, Theseus abandoned Ariadne while she was sleeping, and this sculpture depicts the moment just before he disappeared.

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