The blind Belisarius c. 1781

"The Blind Belisarius" is a charcoal drawing by Angelica Kauffmann created around 1781, currently housed in the Städel Museum. The piece depicts the Roman general Belisarius, a hero who was later betrayed and blinded, begging for alms. This neoclassical drawing masterfully captures the pathos of the scene, highlighting the stark contrast between Belisarius's former glory and his current plight. The dramatic use of light and shadow further emphasizes the tragedy of Belisarius's fall from grace.