Art and Art History Collection (Saskia)

Et in Arcadia Ego

Unknown

Download

Download image (3.5 MB)

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Time Period

1637-39

Abstract

'Et in Arcadia ego' is a phrase coined by Virgil and used in 17th century Italy expressing, in an elliptical way, the humanistic sentiment: Even in Arcadia I (i.e. Death) am to be found. That is to say, even the escapist, pastoral world of Arcady is no refuge from death. The words feature in paintings from that time inscribed on monumental stonework, especially a tomb, which stands in rural surroundings. The earliest representation of the theme by Guercino (Galleria Corsini, Rome) shows two shepherds coming unexpectedly upon a skull - the typical memento mori - that lies on a piece of fallen masonry bearing the words 'Et in Arcadia ego'.

Keywords

Paris, France, Style: French Baroque, School: Baroque, Movement: Baroque, French, Painting;, Painting

Geographic Location

Paris, France

Holding Location

University of South Florida

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Paintings; Pictures

Identifier

A01-MFF0024

Et in Arcadia Ego

Share

 
COinS