The artwork titled “Florentine Poet” was crafted by Alexandre Cabanel in the year 1861. This painting, rendered in oil on wood, is an exemplary piece belonging to the Academicism art movement. Measuring 30.5 x 50.5 cm, it is categorized under the genres of history painting and genre painting. It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a serene scene where a group of individuals, dressed in richly detailed historical attire, engage in a leisurely conversation or perhaps a storytelling session. Seated in a lush garden, they are positioned upon or around a classical stone bench adorned with intricate carvings. The central figure, likely the Florentine poet, gestures animatedly, capturing the rapt attention of the elegantly dressed figures around him. The setting is serene, with the verdant backdrop and relaxed postures conveying a sense of tranquility and introspection. The meticulous detail and vibrant colors underscore Cabanel’s mastery in capturing the essence of historical and genre painting, making this piece a notable example of Academicism.
