Collection

1784 THESEUS AND ARIADNE

C. KOHL (1754-1807), Theseus and Ariadne,
Clemens Kohl (1754 Prague – 1807 Vienna):
2 mythological scenes with Theseus:
Theseus against Minotaur and farewell to Ariadne,, Copper engraving Technique:
Copper engraving on Paper
Inscription:
At the lower part signed in the printing plate: “Cl. Kohl sc MI?]”. At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: “Theseus slays the Minotaur and saves the young Athenians | Theseus leaves Ariadne on the island of Naxos.” Date:
18th century Description:
The artwork depicts two scenes from Greek mythology. On the left, Theseus fights the Minotaur, framed by Roman-style architecture. On the right, Ariadne’s despair is depicted as she sits on a rocky shore and watches Theseus’ departing ship. The pieces embody a narrative duality of heroic victory and tragic loneliness.