Léon Becker

Symphony of the Insects

Maker

Léon Becker (Belgian, 1827-1891)

Title

Symphony of the Insects

Year

1870

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

gouache, watercolor

Supports

Dimensions

44.1 x 53.2 cm (17 3/8 x 20 15/16 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signed and dated LR:L. Becker1870

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Works of Art Fund

Object Number

60.058

Type

Exhibition History

A Chorus of Chirps, Hums, and Buzzes
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Japanese Print Gallery
May 24, 2019 – Nov 10, 2019
Draw Me a Story
Illustration from the Permanent Collection
Apr 14, 2006 – Jul 23, 2006

Label copy

Little is known about the Belgian artist Léon Becker except that he worked occasionally as an illustrator for the periodical Le Monde Illustré and composed a number of scientific articles on the subject of insects in Belgium and the Netherlands. Those two interests merge in this drawing, in which the artist depicts a fantastical party where insects, portrayed as members of high society, socialize and dance amongst the luxuriant blades of grass. To the right, an orchestra creates music, while in the center a waiter serves refreshments to a beautiful moth and her companions. Also at center, two beetles walk away from the viewer toward a large, tentacled crowd, perhaps to begin the dance. At left, a young “lady” is introduced to an admirer

Recent Accessions
Apr 23, 1961 – May 28, 1961

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Léon Becker (Belgian, 1827-1891)
Symphony of the Insects, 1870
Watercolor, gouache, and varnish on paper
44.1 x 53.2 cm (17 3/8 x 20 15/16 inches)
Museum Works of Art Fund 60.058

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