Who painted Fury of Achilles?

Fury of Achilles was painted by Charles-Antoine Coypel in 1737.

Where can I see Fury of Achilles?

Fury of Achilles is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Fury of Achilles?

Fury of Achilles is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Fury of Achilles?

Museum-quality prints of Fury of Achilles are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Fury of Achilles

Charles-Antoine Coypel , 1737

Fury of Achilles is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Charles-Antoine Coypel. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Fury of Achilles is a 1737 oil painting by Charles-Antoine Coypel, a prominent French artist and administrator of the Rococo era. The work captures a dramatic, emotionally charged moment from classical mythology, featuring multiple figures in a dynamic composition.

Subject & Meaning

Divine intervention is hinted at by aerial figures, including a winged woman and a torch-bearing man, underscoring the mythological context.

The painting depicts a pivotal, intense scene from the legend of Achilles, focusing on the hero's emotional turmoil. Central to the composition is Achilles, identifiable by his armor, helmet, sword, and shield, surrounded by reacting figures - some attempting to intervene, others fleeing in fear. Divine intervention is hinted at by aerial figures, including a winged woman and a torch-bearing man, underscoring the mythological context.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work exemplifies Rococo characteristics through its intricate detail and a predominantly dark color palette punctuated by lighter sky tones. The dynamic interplay of figures and the blend of earthly conflict with celestial presence reflect Coypel's mastery of narrative depth within the Rococo framework.

History & Provenance

Created in 1737, Fury of Achilles was painted during Coypel's tenure as court painter to the French king and director of the Académie Royale. His dual role in managing the royal art collection, following his father's precedent, contextualizes the painting within the artistic and political elite of 18th-century France.

Context

Emerging from the Rococo period, the painting's themes of emotional intensity and mythological narrative were tailored to the tastes of the French aristocracy, who valued intricate, expressive artworks referencing classical themes.

Legacy

While specific details on the painting's direct legacy are not provided, as a work by Coypel, it contributes to the broader legacy of Rococo art in France, influencing subsequent artistic movements through its expressive and detailed storytelling.