Artwork

Ptolemaeus II in bibliotheca sua (Champaigne)

Ptolemaeus II in bibliotheca sua (Champaigne), by Jean Baptiste de Champaigne, oil, 1672
Ptolemaeus II in bibliotheca sua (Champaigne), by Jean Baptiste de Champaigne, oil, 1672

Ptolemaeus II in bibliotheca sua (Champaigne) is an oil painting by the French Classical Baroque artist Jean Baptiste de Champaigne. It dates from 1672 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Ptolemaeus II in bibliotheca sua is a 1672 oil painting by Jean Baptiste de Champaigne, a Flemish-born French Baroque artist. The work is housed at the Palace of Versailles as part of the French Classical Baroque collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Ptolemy II in a library setting, though a visual description suggests a possible discrepancy: the central figure, in a blue robe and crown, stands gesturing towards a globe, surrounded by men in varying attire among books, scrolls, and other objects.

Technique & Style

Champaigne employed a range of colors to achieve depth and atmosphere, with the central figure's blue robe contrasting against muted background tones, characteristic of the Baroque style. The artist utilized chiaroscuro, emphasizing light and dark contrasts.

History & Provenance

Created in 1672, the painting is part of the Palace of Versailles' collection, associated with the French Classical Baroque movement.

Context

As a Baroque piece from 1672, it reflects the artistic trends of 17th-century France, characterized by dramatic lighting and rich details, often depicting historical or scholarly scenes.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of *Ptolemaeus II in bibliotheca sua* are not detailed, it contributes to the broader legacy of Jean Baptiste de Champaigne's contributions to French Baroque painting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean Baptiste de Champaigne

Artist

Jean Baptiste de Champaigne

Jean Baptiste de Champaigne (10 December 1631 – 27 October 1681), was a Flemish-born French Baroque painter and teacher.

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