Artwork
Officier grec blessé
Officier grec blessé is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Jean-Claude Bonnefond. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.
About this work
Overview
Jean‑Claude Bonnefond, a French painter born in Lyon in 1796, completed the oil painting *Officier grec blessé* in 1826. Executed in a neoclassical idiom, the work is part of the permanent collection of the Musée des Beaux‑Arts de Lyon.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a wounded Greek officer amid a turbulent seascape. A distressed woman in a yellow jacket and blue skirt clutches a white headscarf, while a man in a red jacket and turban supports her and gestures upward. A third figure, dressed in green with a red hat, watches anxiously, underscoring the scene’s urgency and alarm.
Technique & Style
Bonnefond employs a strong chiaroscuro contrast, casting the figures against a dark, smoky backdrop that suggests chaos and destruction. The handling of oil paint emphasizes the dramatic lighting and the emotional intensity of the moment.
History & Provenance
After its creation, the painting entered the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in early‑19th‑century French neoclassical works.
Context
The work reflects Bonnefond’s early interest in rural and historical subjects, a focus sharpened by his study trip to Italy. The depiction of a Greek officer aligns with contemporary French fascination with the Greek War of Independence (1821‑1832).
Artist & collection
Artist
Claude Bonnefond, or Jean-Claude Bonnefond (French pronunciation: ; 27 March 1796, Lyon - 27 June 1860, Lyon) was a French painter and lithographer; noted for his portrayals of peasant life.
Ein griechischer Krieger nimmt Abschied
Death of Dido
Die Schlacht bei Lipan 1434
Die Rückeroberung Ofens aus der Hand der Türken im Jahr 1686
General Bonaparte Visiting the Plague-Stricken at Jaffa
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The Blinding of Samson
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Separation of David and Jonathan
Karl I. von Anjou an der Leiche Manfreds nach der Schlacht von Benevent am 26. Februar 1266