Ceyx and Alcyone, Artist unknown- original by Richard Wilson, Oil on Canvas, 106.5x127 cms.

Ceyx was the King of Trachis, in Central Greece and Alcyone, his wife was the daughter of Aeolus, the Greek God of wind. Both of them were admired for their eternal love which led Alcyone to follow Ceyx into the other life. Thundering clouds and lightening confer massive energy to this painting in which Ceyx and Alcyone are represented in the foreground. Amidst craggy hills towards the right side, the spire of a circular ruined castle makes a sturdy appearance. Towards the left, fallen trees showcase a devastating storm. Ceyx’s corpse is being brought ashore by two nymphs while Alcyone is seen standing on the shore. The emotions of grief and sorrow are impeccably portrayed. She is seen supported by four nymphs even as she weeps on the dead body of Ceyx, amidst crashing waves onto the shore. This painting was engraved by William Woollett in 1769, after the original painted by Richard Wilson. Woollett was born in 1735 and was an English engraver. Richard Wilson, born in 1714 was a Welsh landscape painter and was also one of the founder members of the Royal Academy in 1768.

Portfolio Name: Select Paintings of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Source: Lalit Kala Akademi