Dancing Maenad
- Artist
- Carl Milles, American (born Sweden), 1875–1955
- Date
- c.1913
- Material
- Bronze
- made in
- Stockholm, Stockholm county, Sweden, Europe
- Classification
- Metalwork, sculpture
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 327
- Dimensions
- 27 x 17 1/2 x 7 in. (68.6 x 44.5 x 17.8 cm)
- Credit Line
- Funds given by Mr. Thomas F. Schlafly, Mrs. G. Gordon Hertslet, Mrs. John M. Olin, the Sachs Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Langsdorf Jr., Mr. and Mrs. David F. Orwig, Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Potter, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Potter Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Eli R. Shuter, Station List Publishing Company, and other donors to the 1990 Art Enrichment Fund and Museum Shop Fund
- Rights
- © Carl Milles
- Object Number
- 664:1991
NOTES
Carl Milles’ maenad is in the throes of muscular contortions as she dances, oblivious to the viewer. The thin tracery of her drapery creates a pleasing contrast to the deep and rounded modeling of her body. Maenads, meaning “the possessed” or the “raving ones,” were female followers of Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of mystery, wine, and intoxication. During the Dionysian rites, maenads roamed the mountains and forests performing frenzied, ecstatic dances in wild union with primeval nature. While possessed, they had enormous strength, able even to tear apart animals and humans.
Milles’ best-known sculpture in St. Louis is the Meeting of the Waters fountain across from Union Station.
Milles’ best-known sculpture in St. Louis is the Meeting of the Waters fountain across from Union Station.