Andreas Martin Andersen (Bergen, Norway, 1869 - 1902, Boston)
Dionysus Torso at Fenway Court, 1902
Oil on canvas, 57 x 36 cm (22 7/16 x 14 3/16 in.)
This vertical oil painting depicts a sculpture of the torso of the Greek god Dionysus. This nude torso, from neck to knees, is colored in shades of tan, gray and blue and is positioned atop a gray pedestal. Two strands of long hair curve along his shoulder from his neck. There is a bunch of grapes along the left side of his torso. There are white and yellow flowers rising in the foreground and the background is dark blue and green foliage.
Vatichino
Commentary
Andreas Martin Andersen painted the marble sculpture of Dionysus in the Courtyard of the Museum in 1902. Isabella supported many young artists and acquired four paintings and one drawing by Andersen. She also invited him to work at the Museum. He was one of many artists inspired the collection.
Tragically, Andersen contracted tuberculosis and died shortly after this work was painted, at the age of 33.