The Three Fates
Print
ca. 1700 (published)
ca. 1700 (published)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This engraving, published in Paris around 1700, shows the Three Fates of classical mythology. According to legend, they determine the course of human life, symbolised by the thread that they spin, measure and cut. Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos are usually portrayed as old and unattractive, but here they are young and fashionably dressed. This print shows a good example of the female costume of the period: wide, long skirts, brooches and pearl necklaces and lace hanging off the sleeves. Clotho holds the distaff, Lachesis holds the spindle and Atropos cuts the thread. The Three Fates are often shown alongside other symbols of death.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Three Fates (assigned by artist) |
| Materials and techniques | Engraving on paper |
| Brief description | 'The Three Fates', engraving published by Deshayes in Paris, France, about 1700 |
| Physical description | Print showing three women in early 18th century costume, spinning yarn |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Object history | In classical mythology the three Fates determined the course of human life, symbolised by the thread that they spin, measure and cut. Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos are usually portrayed as hideous old hags, but here they are young and fashionably dressed. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This engraving, published in Paris around 1700, shows the Three Fates of classical mythology. According to legend, they determine the course of human life, symbolised by the thread that they spin, measure and cut. Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos are usually portrayed as old and unattractive, but here they are young and fashionably dressed. This print shows a good example of the female costume of the period: wide, long skirts, brooches and pearl necklaces and lace hanging off the sleeves. Clotho holds the distaff, Lachesis holds the spindle and Atropos cuts the thread. The Three Fates are often shown alongside other symbols of death. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 13853:1 |
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| Record created | July 19, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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