Artwork
Not Guilty
Not Guilty is an oil painting by the Realist artist Abraham Solomon. It dates from 1859 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.
About this work
Overview
Not Guilty is an 1859 oil painting by British Realist artist Abraham Solomon, now part of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a dramatic courtroom scene of reunion and relief, where a man, dressed in gray and brown, is embraced by a woman in a white dress holding a baby. An older man in a black robe observes, while other figures, including an older woman with a baby and a girl in red, populate the background.
Technique & Style
Solomon executed the work in oil paint, characteristic of the Realist movement's emphasis on detailed, everyday scenes. The composition conveys emotional intensity through the contrast of somber courtroom surroundings and the vibrant, joyful reunion at its center.
History & Provenance
Created in 1859 by Abraham Solomon, the painting is now held in the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection. Solomon, one of several artist siblings, died in 1862 at the age of 39 in Biarritz.
Context
As part of the Realist movement, *Not Guilty* reflects Solomon's focus on depicting everyday life and emotional moments, diverging from more romantic or idealized subjects prevalent at the time.
Legacy
While *Not Guilty* showcases Solomon's Realist approach, the artist's overall legacy is somewhat overshadowed by his early death in 1862. The painting remains a notable example of mid-19th-century British Realism.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Abraham Solomon (London 7 May 1823 – 19 December 1862 Biarritz) was a British painter.
