Antiochus And Stratonice 1746

Pompeo Batoni painted Antiochus and Stratonice at an unknown date using oil. Batoni’s artistic talent flourished in 18th century Rome, where he gained fame for his portraits of the aristocracy and historical paintings. In this painting, Batoni depicts a scene of royal drama, as a doctor discovers that the lovesick Prince Antiochus is suffering because of his love for his stepmother, Stratonice. The painting showcases the lavish tastes of the Roman elite, who took pleasure in the rediscovery of classical antiquity, with it’s emphasis on heroism, passion, and moral conflict. The drama depicted plays on the social structures of 18th century Europe, specifically the social pressures of arranged marriages. Art historians study the patronage of artists like Batoni to understand the complex interplay of art and society.