Louis Priou
Family of Satyrs
1873
Scroll
Louis Priou
Family of Satyrs
1873
Physical Qualities
Oil on canvas, 20-11/16 x 24-3/4 in. (52.6 x 62.9 cm.); Frame: 30-1/2 x 34 x 2-3/4 in. (77.5 x 86.4 x 7 cm.)
Credit Line
The George A. Lucas Collection, purchased with funds from the State of Maryland, Laurence and Stella Bendann Fund, and contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations throughout the Baltimore community
Object Number
1996.45.229
On May 1, 1874, Lucas noted in his Diary that he had spent the day at the Salon where he purchased the Family of Satyrs from Louis Priou for the Corcoran Gallery in Washington. Shortly thereafter, he informed William Walters of his purchase. Walters, who was serving as chairman of the Corcoran’s Committee on Works of Art, had been charged with enriching the gallery’s holdings in anticipation of its
public opening later that year.
Priou, a native of Toulouse in southern France, studied with academic painter Alexander Cabanel and was awarded a Gold Medal at the Paris Exposition of 1874. A number of his spirited compositions include satyrs, Greek mythological creatures, half man and half goat. The inscription on this painting, “Louis Priou 74 / à Mr. Lucas,” suggests that it was a gift to Lucas. The painting appears to be a study for a larger version.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1996; The Maryland Institute College of Art,
through Henry Walters, Baltimore, by bequest 1909; from George A. Lucas, Paris
through Henry Walters, Baltimore, by bequest 1909; from George A. Lucas, Paris
The Maryland Institute, Baltimore, "Exhibition of the George A. Lucas Art Collection", 1911, cat. #189.
The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The George A. Lucas Collection of the Maryland Institute", October 12-November 21, 1965, cat. #231.
The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, "A Baltimorean in Paris: George A. Lucas, Art Agent 1860-1909", January 28-March 11, 1979.
Sona Johnston, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "A View Toward Paris: The Lucas Collection of 19th-Century French Art", October 1-December 31, 2006.
The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The George A. Lucas Collection of the Maryland Institute", October 12-November 21, 1965, cat. #231.
The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, "A Baltimorean in Paris: George A. Lucas, Art Agent 1860-1909", January 28-March 11, 1979.
Sona Johnston, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "A View Toward Paris: The Lucas Collection of 19th-Century French Art", October 1-December 31, 2006.
Inscribed: FACE: BR, 'Louis Priou 74 (?)/à Mr Lucas'. VERSO, PAINTING: CR, remains of the Pottier label; CL, 'WAG/13.1979.2'
