The artwork “Desdemona” by Alexandre Cabanel, executed in 1871, is an oil painting on canvas measuring 73.5 by 59 centimeters. It is classified under the Academicism art movement and belongs to the genres of literary painting and portraiture. Presently, it resides in a private collection.
In the artwork, the subject, likely Desdemona from William Shakespeare’s “Othello,” is depicted with a solemn expression that exudes melancholy and introspection. She is draped in a flowing, light-colored garment, adorned with delicate jewelry, including a headpiece with a prominent central jewel. Her hands are clasped together, heightening the sense of contemplative sorrow. The background features intricate details suggestive of opulent surroundings, enhancing the elegance and historical context of the painting. Cabanel’s meticulous attention to detail and the soft, realistic rendering of the subject demonstrate his mastery within the Academicism style.
