The Death of Epaminondas 1726
isaacwalraven
gouache
imaginative character sketch
character art
possibly oil pastel
character sketch
underpainting
painting painterly
watercolour bleed
watercolour illustration
watercolor
“The Death of Epaminondas” (1726) by Isaac Walraven is a dramatic scene depicting the death of the Theban general Epaminondas, who was mortally wounded in the Battle of Mantinea in 362 BC. The artwork portrays a heightened sense of emotion as onlookers mourn the general's passing. The composition is dynamic, with figures arranged in a circle around Epaminondas's deathbed. The painting's realism is evident in the detailed depiction of the characters’ facial expressions and the rich drapery. This work highlights the dramatic and emotional aspects of history, offering a glimpse into the life and death of an important figure.
Comments
Epaminondas was a Theban general who led the battle against Sparta in ancient Greece. His death from this struggle is an episode that was seldom depicted. These kinds of far-fetched and complex compositions were popular in the early 18th century. They allowed the painter to display his erudition and his masterly command of the full range of human feelings and emotional states.
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