Virgil Reading from the Aeneid (1864) by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Virgil Reading from the Aeneid - Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres - 1864

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Artwork Information

TitleVirgil Reading from the Aeneid
ArtistJean Auguste Dominique Ingres
Date1864
Mediumoil,paper,panel
Dimensions61 x 49.8 cm
Art MovementRomanticism

About Virgil Reading from the Aeneid

The artwork “Virgil Reading from the Aeneid” by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, created in 1864, is an oil painting on paper laid down on panel, exemplifying the Romanticism movement. Measuring 61 x 49.8 cm, this history painting captures a moment of literary narration from the epic Aeneid by the ancient poet Virgil.

The artwork depicts a classical interior setting, illuminated by the gentle light of a single candle. The central figure, Virgil, appears engaged in an oration, reading aloud from his epic poem, “The Aeneid,” to an attentive audience. His presence is commanding, yet he exudes a sense of calm focus, embodying the role of a revered storyteller. A reclining figure, possibly the Emperor Augustus, listens intently while surrounded by attentive onlookers who exhibit varying degrees of engagement. An ethereal woman stands to the left, her attention cast towards the poet, possibly representing the muse of epic poetry, Calliope.

In the background, a sculptural representation of a Roman emperor or heroic figure brings an additional layer of historical resonance to the scene. The contrast between the shadows and the flickering candlelight creates a dramatic effect, with the figures cast in a gentle glow that enhances the solemnity of the moment depicted. The rich fabrics, architectural details, and assorted objects like scrolls and furniture add to the authenticity of the scene, demonstrating Ingres’ meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to historical accuracy within a romanticized aesthetic framework.

Overall, the artwork invites viewers to immerse themselves in the reverence for classical literature and the intellectual culture of ancient Rome, as seen through the lens of the 19th-century Romantic perspective.

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