The Catapult 1868

Edward John Poynter's "The Catapult" (1868) depicts a scene of intense activity surrounding a Roman siege weapon. The oil painting, housed in the Laing Art Gallery, shows a group of men straining to operate the catapult, their muscles taut and their expressions focused. The foreground is dominated by the wooden framework of the machine, while a group of Roman soldiers in the background observe the scene. Poynter's detailed rendering of the figures and the machine itself, along with the historical accuracy of the setting, contribute to the powerful realism of the work. This piece is a striking example of the Pre-Raphaelite style, known for its meticulous attention to detail and its focus on historical and mythological themes.