Athena Teaches Weaving, 1809 (?)
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions without frame107 × 88 cm
Dimensions with frame130,4 × 113,6 × 9 cm
About the workIn Greek mythology, Athena is, among other things, the goddess of handicraft. According to the traditional title of this painting, Athena is teaching the young Arachne how to weave. But according to the tale, Athena gives the talented weaver a lesson. Initially disguised as an old woman, she chastises Arachne for her arrogance of being better at weaving than the goddess herself. The painting also deals with the closeness of creativity to divine creative power. Peter von Cornelius, later director of the Düsseldorf Academy of Art, was commissioned to paint this picture by a textile manufacturer while still a student.
AccessionAcquisition 1921
Provenanceo.D. Prof. Ernst aus'm Weerth, Kessenich bei Bonn; [...]; o.D. Privatbesitz Hillesheim; [...]; 1921 angekauft von Geheimrat Prof. Dr. Clemen, Bonn
Inventory numberM 4271
