Artwork

The Death of Belisarius' Wife

The Death of Belisarius' Wife, by François Kinson, oil, 1817
The Death of Belisarius' Wife, by François Kinson, oil, 1817

The Death of Belisarius' Wife is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist François Kinson. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the Groeningemuseum.

About this work

Overview

The Death of Belisarius' Wife is a 1817 oil painting by François-Joseph Kinson, a Belgian artist trained in Bruges and later active in Paris.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the Byzantine general Belisarius mourning the death of his wife, identifiable by his combat helmet and crest. A somber scene unfolds with the woman lying on the ground, her head on Belisarius' lap, as another figure stands nearby.

Technique & Style

Kinson's work is characterized by a neoclassical style, evident in the composition and attire of the figures. The artist's use of oil paint creates a somber mood, with a dark curtain and partially visible bed in the background contributing to the overall atmosphere of sadness and mourning.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Groeningemuseum collection. Kinson was known for his portraits of fashionable women, as well as historical and mythological scenes, indicating a diverse range of artistic interests.

Artist & collection

Portrait of François Kinson

Artist

François Kinson

François-Joseph Kinson (Dutch: Franciscus Josephus Kinsoen) (29 January 1770 in Bruges - 18 October 1839 in Bruges), was a Belgian painter.

Groeningemuseum

Museum

Groeningemuseum

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