The artwork entitled “Tu Marcellus Eris” is a significant piece by the artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, created during the period 1811 to 1820. This oil on canvas work is a beautiful example of the Neoclassical movement, known for its clarity of form, sober colors, and strong use of historical subjects. The dimensions of this grand piece are 323 cm in height by 304 cm in width, classifying it as a genre painting. It is currently located at the Musée des Augustins in Toulouse, France.
The artwork exhibits a dramatized scene from antiquity, featuring figures clad in Roman attire within an architectural setting that recalls the classical world. The central composition highlights a reclining figure, appearing to be either ill or injured, who is attended by multiple individuals with expressions of concern and attentiveness. A woman stands solemnly to the left, her gaze fixed on the central scene, while a man dressed in red seems to be in the midst of a serious conversation with the reclined individual. There is a dramatic use of lighting, with a single source casting strong shadows and creating a focal point that guides the viewer’s eye to the interaction between the characters. The meticulously detailed surroundings, including the patterned floor, the rich drapery, and the structural elements, all contribute to an atmosphere of classical grandeur, underscoring Ingres’ attention to historical accuracy and detail that epitomizes the Neoclassical ethos.