The artwork titled “Agrippine Landing at Brundisium with the Ashes of Germanicus” was created by the artist Benjamin West in 1768 using oil on canvas. It is part of the Neoclassicism movement, categorized as a history painting, and measures 163.8 by 240 centimeters. The piece is currently housed in the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut, US.
In this evocative historical painting, the artist Benjamin West captures the solemn moment of Agrippine (Agrippina the Elder) arriving at Brundisium harbor with the ashes of her deceased husband, Germanicus. The scene is painted with characteristic Neoclassical clarity and gravitas, emphasizing the somber mood through its composition and lighting. Central to the artwork are Agrippine and her attendants, draped in traditional Roman attire, exuding an aura of dignity and grief. The mourners around them enhance the sense of collective sorrow, while the detailed background depicting the architectural elements and assembled Roman citizens further immerses the viewer in this poignant moment in ancient history. The juxtaposition of light and shadow adds depth and emotional weight to the scene, highlighting West’s technical prowess and his ability to convey historical narrative through art.