The Death of Julius Caesar c. 1795
vincenzocamuccini
aged paper
toned paper
muted colour palette
handmade artwork painting
coloured pencil
coffee painting
underpainting
watercolour bleed
watercolour illustration
watercolor
Vincenzo Camuccini’s "The Death of Julius Caesar" (c. 1795) depicts the dramatic moment of the Roman leader’s assassination. The scene is set in a grand hall, where a group of conspirators surround Caesar, wielding daggers. The artist employs a dynamic composition, emphasizing the chaos and violence of the event. The use of sepia tones creates a somber atmosphere, reflecting the tragedy of Caesar’s demise. The artwork, measuring 560 mm in height and 990 mm in width, offers a glimpse into the turbulent world of ancient Roman politics.
Comments
In 1793 an English admirer of Camuccini ordered a huge painting of The Death of Julius Caesar, for which this drawing is a preparatory study. When the painting was finished in 1799, it was harshly criticized. The artist destroyed it and a new version followed in 1818 (now in Naples). It presents the moment just before Caesar is stabbed, making it a representation of Republicanism.
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