Glyn Morgan (1926-2015)
| Artist Name | Glyn Morgan (1926-2015) |
|---|---|
| Title | Achilles and the Centaur |
| Description | This interesting mythological watercolour painting on paper is by noted Welsh artist Glyn Morgan. Painted in 1965 it is entitled verso as Achilles and the Centaur. (see below for a synopsis of the legend). The legend involving Chiron, the centaur, and Achilles is a well-known story from Greek mythology. Chiron, distinguished among centaurs for his wisdom, kindness, and knowledge of medicine, played a significant role in the upbringing and education of many Greek heroes, including Achilles. Morgan developed a deep interest in Greek Mythology following spending time in Greece and this work may well have been exhibited with others of the same theme at the Chappel Galleries in 1996. Signed and dated 65 lower right. The legend involving Chiron, the centaur, and Achilles is a well-known story from Greek mythology. Chiron, distinguished among centaurs for his wisdom, kindness, and knowledge of medicine, played a significant role in the upbringing and education of many Greek heroes, including Achilles. Achilles, the son of the mortal Peleus and the nymph Thetis, was sent to Chiron to be raised and trained. Chiron, who resided on Mount Pelion, was renowned for his skill in hunting, medicine, music, and prophecy. Under Chiron’s guidance, Achilles became a formidable warrior, renowned for his strength and skill in battle. This training played a crucial role in Achilles’ life, especially in his later exploits during the Trojan War. Chiron’s influence on Achilles was not just in martial skills; he also imparted wisdom and moral guidance. This blend of physical training and moral education was a hallmark of Chiron’s teaching method, setting him apart from the other centaurs, who were generally known for their unruly and savage nature. The story of Chiron and Achilles reflects the Greek ideal of a hero being shaped by both physical prowess and moral integrity. Chiron’s role as a mentor to Achilles and other heroes like Hercules underscores the importance of wisdom and guidance in the development of a hero in Greek mythology. Dante Sisofo. |
| Provenance | Details inscribed verso. |
| Medium | Watercolour on Paper |
| Size | 14 x 17 inches |
| Frame | Housed in a water colour frame with hessian mount, framed size is 26 inches by 23 inches and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition. |
| Biography | Glyn Morgan was a Welsh artist, born in Pontypridd, Glamorgan, in 1926. His artistic education began at Cardiff College of Art in 1942, where he studied under renowned Welsh artist Ceri Richards. It was during his time at Cardiff that Glyn was first introduced to the work of Cedric Morris, who proved to be his main source of inspiration throughout his artistic career. In 1944 Glyn studied at Benton Edge (formally known as the East Anglian School of Drawing and Painting), where his friendship with Cedric Morris began. The two painted each other many times, and Glyn organised a Benton Edge exhibition at Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery in 1985, as well as contributing to the 2002 book ‘Benton End Remembered’. Glyn went on to attend Camberwell School of Art from 1947-1948 and during his time there he also taught painting at schools in Suffolk, Somerset and even Greece. His travels in Greece inspired an interest in Greek mythology, and he produces a series of paintings inspired by Greek mythology which were shown at the Chappel Galleries in 1996. Classical music also inspired his work, and his roots in Welsh history are also present in his work. Interestingly, he was very open about how difficult he sometimes found painting – he said in 1994 at the time of his and Cedric Morris’ exhibition at the Chappel Galleries ‘My pictures were, and still are, a battlefield’ (Telegraph’s obituary). The Chappel Galleries in Colchester exhibited Glyn’s work from the mid 90s through to 2014. He held numerous other solo shows, including at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth in 2006. |
| Price | £1800 |
