Homage to Beethoven

RICHARDS, Ceri

Richards was deeply affected by the death of Dylan Thomas in 1953 and produced a series of works in homage to the dead poet. This allegorical composition celebrates another of the artist's heroes, Ludwig van Beethoven. It juxtaposes two favourite themes. One of these is a musing woman, turning from a piano and a French horn to a sheet of music. The other is a pair of energetic galloping horses, ultimately derived from 'The Lion Hunt' by the French Romantic painter Eugéne Delacroix (1798-1863).

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Details

Collection

Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales

Item Number

NMW A 591

Creation/Production

RICHARDS, Ceri

Education: Swansea School of Art; Royal College of Art Work: Cardiff College of Art; Chelsea School of Art; Royal College of Art; Slade School of Art Awards: CBE, 1960; Hon. D.Litt University of Wales, 1961; Hon.Fellow of the RCA Commissions: stained glass windows for Liverpool Cathedral and Derby Cathedral The landscape of the Gower was a strong source of imagery - much of his work was also inspired by poetry and music: a crowning achievement was the series of paintings and construction on the theme of Debussy's La Cathedrale Engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral)

Role: Artist

Period: 1953