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Silenus and King Midas
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
In Greek mythology Silenus was an old, drunken satyr (half-man, half-goat), who visited King Midas and was graciously received. In gratitude for Midas's generous hospitality, Dionysus, the god of wine and former pupil of Silenus, granted the king one wish. Midas asked for the power to turn everything that he touched into gold. However, he soon regretted his choice, for he was unable to eat food or drink water, as they also turned to gold. Finally, Dionysus released him from the enchantment.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineSilenus and King Midas, mid 16th century. Giulio Bonasone (Italian, c. 1510–after 1576), after Perino del Vaga (Italian, 1501–1547). Engraving; sheet: 16.9 x 22.9 cm (6 5/8 x 9 in.); platemark: 15.9 x 21.9 cm (6 1/4 x 8 5/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection, 1968.256
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