Bedelende Belisarius 1837 - 1843

“Bedelende Belisarius” (Begging Belisarius) is a lithograph created between 1837 and 1843 by the Gebroeders van Lier. The artwork, depicting a scene from the life of the Byzantine general Belisarius, is a testament to the popularity of historical subjects in 19th-century art. The lithograph showcases the Gebroeders van Lier's skill in capturing the dramatic moment of Belisarius, a once-powerful general, reduced to begging for alms in his old age, highlighting the fragility of human fortune. The detailed etching and the contrasting tones in the artwork evoke a sense of pathos and empathy for the fallen hero, showcasing the artistic mastery of the Gebroeders van Lier.