Artwork
The Stabbing of Pompey
The Stabbing of Pompey is an ink print by the Baroque artist Willem Basse. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work titled The Stabbing of Pompey is a print created in 1634 by the Dutch artist Willem Basse. Executed as an etching and engraving on laid paper, the image presents a dramatic scene set aboard a vessel, where the Roman general Pompey is attacked by hostile figures. The composition captures a moment of violence, with blood falling into the water below.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the historical episode in which Pompey, fleeing after defeat, is murdered by his adversaries on a ship.
The print depicts the historical episode in which Pompey, fleeing after defeat, is murdered by his adversaries on a ship. The kneeling figure of Pompey, his hand raised in a gesture of surprise, underscores the suddenness of the betrayal. The falling blood and the surrounding darkness emphasize the brutality of the act and reflect contemporary interest in the moral and political consequences of civil conflict.
Technique & Style
Basse employs a combination of etching and engraving, using fine, closely spaced lines to render deep shadows and the texture of the sea. The contrast between the darkened background and the illuminated figures creates a sense of depth, while the precise incisions suggest the gleam of blades. The laid paper surface contributes a subtle grain that enhances the overall tonal richness of the image.
History & Provenance
Created in the early seventeenth century, The Stabbing of Pompey has been preserved as a single print on laid paper. It is currently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, where it is displayed alongside other works from the period, offering insight into the printmaking practices and historical narratives favored by artists of the Dutch Golden Age.
Artist & collection
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