Heureux rivages

2007

Acrylic on canvas

300 x 400 cm (118 1/8 x 157 1/2 in.)

Hidden in the twigs of an abundant vine, a Cupid overlooks a young man asleep on a pew beside a Eucharistic luncheon. Many covetous women seem to be competing to seduce him against a bucolic landscape in the background. This tripartite portrait of cohabitation between man, nature and desire inspires harmony.

Heureux rivages (“Happy Shores”) foreshadows Martial Raysse’s aesthetic milestones. It defends allegorical painting, reviving ancient myths and symbols with Dionysian accents, as shown by the shimmering palette, drunkenness and vibrant nature. It humorously depicts a modern-day Arcadia, a celebration of life, a re-enchanted vision of the world in a tribute to the great masters and great painting.

This milestone work in the Pinault Collection was presented during the 2009 major group show "Mapping the Studio" at the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana.
Exhibitions