The artwork titled “Philip V handing around the Golden Fleece to the Duke of Berwick after the battle of Almanza” was rendered by the esteemed artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres in the year 1813. Adhering to the Neoclassicism art movement that favored classical simplicity and grandeur, this history painting is currently housed at the Musée Bonnat in Bayonne, France. It captures a significant historical event in a solemn and dignified manner, characteristic of the Neoclassical aesthetic ideals of the era.
In the artwork, the composition is centered around the figures of Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, and the Duke of Berwick. The setting appears to be an ornate hall, with classical architectural features such as columns and an archaic bust, which contribute to the grandeur of the scene. Philip V is depicted in a majestic stance, with a grand cloak, bestowing the Golden Fleece upon the kneeling Duke of Berwick, who demonstrates deference and reverence in his posture. Around them, various onlookers, likely courtiers and soldiers, witness the solemn occasion, portraying a sense of depth and perspective in the scene. The use of line and shadow, even though devoid of color, suggests a meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on order and clarity, mirroring the Neoclassical penchant for harmonious composition and a narrative that speaks to the virtues of heroism and nobility.
