(Vienna 1781–1858)
The Three Graces Presenting Cupid to Philemon and Baucis, signed, dated Anton Petter 1816, oil on canvas, 158 x 220 cm, restored, framed

Provenance:
Private Collection Vienna.

Catalogued in:
Constant von Wurzbach, Biographisches Lexikon des Kaiserthums Oesterreich, vol. 22, Vienna 1870, p. 137 (“Die drei Grazien finden Amor”).

Little is known about the life of the Viennese history painter Anton Petter. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna from 1792, where he mainly practiced copying Old Masters. In 1808 he undertook a study trip to Rome, and in 1814 he became a member of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, where he accepted a teaching post as corrector in 1820. At the same academy he was appointed professor for history painting in 1822 and was director of the school of painting and sculpture from 1829-50. Anton Petter‘s special talent for historical painting is also visible in the present lot. The large-format painting depicts a scene from Greek mythology. It shows the poor, happy couple Philemon and Baucis living in harmony at the threshold of their house. The couple was in good favour with the gods because they extended their hospitality to Zeus, the father of the gods, and his son Mercury by offering them a place to stay. The first sight is of three young ladies, the three Graces (Euphrosyne, Thalia and Aglaia). In their midst they carry the Cupid boy in a basket and present him to an elderly, poverty-stricken couple, Philemon and Baucis. The present lot from 1816 is a special pictorial composition since the meeting of the Graces with Philemon and Baucis represents an unusual motif. In terms of both image and content, the young Cupid, turning to the couple, holds this pairing together. He also serves as the bearer of Zeus‘ message that Philemon and Baucis, in gratitude for their hospitality, are granted their wish never to have to live apart from each other in eternal love.