Tanagra (Gérôme sculpture)

Jean-Léon Gérôme's sculpture Tanagra (also sometimes known as Anacreon, Bacchus and Cupid when depicting those figures alongside the Tanagra figurine) refers to several versions of a polychrome sculpture created by the French artist. The sculptures depict a female figure painting a Tanagra figurine.

Tanagra figurines were small, terracotta figures produced in ancient Greece, primarily in the Boeotian town of Tanagra. Gérôme's interest in these figurines stemmed from the archaeological excavations that brought them to light in the 19th century and generated considerable public fascination. The sculptures are notable for their meticulous detail, realism, and the artist's exploration of the intersection between art, antiquity, and the creation process itself.

The subject matter blends classical inspiration with a contemporary artistic sensibility. Gérôme's works often showcase his academic training and his interest in historical and mythological subjects. The use of polychromy, the application of color to sculpture, was a technique Gérôme advocated, believing it brought sculptures closer to life and the appearance of ancient statuary. He sought to revive the practice, which was debated amongst artists and critics at the time.

Different versions of the Tanagra sculpture exist, showcasing slight variations in pose, color, and the presence of accompanying figures, such as Anacreon, Bacchus, and Cupid. These figures allude to themes of poetry, wine, and love, common subjects in classical art and literature, adding layers of meaning to the scene of the artist painting the figurine. These sculptures represent Gérôme's ongoing interest in exploring the artistic process and the enduring appeal of classical antiquity.