Artwork

Allegory of Frederick the Great as Perseus

Allegory of Frederick the Great as Perseus, by Bernhard Rode, oil, 1795
Allegory of Frederick the Great as Perseus, by Bernhard Rode, oil, 1795

Allegory of Frederick the Great as Perseus is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Bernhard Rode. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Allegory of Frederick the Great as Perseus is a 1795 oil painting by Bernhard Rode, a Prussian artist known for his historical and allegorical works. The painting is characteristic of the Rococo style and is held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Frederick the Great as Perseus, surrounded by a woman in blue and a cherub. The scene is allegorical, drawing on mythological or historical themes, with the cherub's presence suggesting divine intervention. The woman's gesture appears to be directing attention to Frederick/Perseus.

Technique & Style

The painting features dramatic lighting, achieved through the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates strong contrasts between light and dark. The dark background with clouds and smoke adds to the dramatic effect, while the figures are rendered in vivid detail, with a focus on their attire and gestures.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Bernhard Rode

Artist

Bernhard Rode

Bernhard Rode (25 July 1725 – 28 June 1797) was a Prussian artist and engraver well known for portraying historical scenes and allegorical works.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.