Artwork
The Death of Adonis
The Death of Adonis is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist James Barry. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
The Death of Adonis is a 1775 oil painting by James Barry, an Irish artist associated with the Neoclassical movement and later recognized as a precursor to British Romanticism.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a mythological scene: a woman mourns a deceased man, Adonis, while a child sits beside them. The somber atmosphere and classical theme reflect the Neoclassical style.
Technique & Style
The work features a subdued color palette with dominant browns, grays, and beiges, and smooth brushstrokes that contribute to its serene atmosphere. Barry's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1775, The Death of Adonis is now part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
James Barry (11 October 1741 – 22 February 1806) was an Irish painter, best remembered for his six-part series of paintings entitled The Progress of Human Culture in the Great Room of the Royal Society of Arts in London.
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