Artwork

Procession at Arles

Procession at Arles, by Horace Vernet, 1818
Procession at Arles, by Horace Vernet, 1818

Procession at Arles is a print by the Romanticist artist Horace Vernet. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Procession at Arles, created by French artist Horace Vernet in 1818, is a drawing that juxtaposes a solemn procession with the backdrop of ancient, deteriorating architecture.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a group in a quiet, possibly ritualistic procession outside crumbling, historic buildings. The contrast between the grandeur of the ruins and the everyday, subdued activity of the people may highlight the coexistence of history and mundane life.

Technique & Style

While the original description classifies the work as a painting, the provided visual note specifies it as a drawing. The style, characteristic of Vernet's engagement with historical subjects, emphasizes architectural detail and the subdued atmosphere of the procession.

History & Provenance

Created in 1818 by Horace Vernet, known for his diverse oeuvre including battle scenes, portraits, and Orientalist works. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

The work reflects themes common in Romanticism, where the interplay between historical legacy (symbolized by the ruins) and contemporary life (the procession) was a frequent subject of exploration.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Horace Vernet

Artist

Horace Vernet

Émile Jean-Horace Vernet (French pronunciation: ; 30 June 1789 – 17 January 1863), better known as Horace Vernet, was a French painter of battles, portraits, and Orientalist subjects.

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