Who painted The Death of Achilles?

The Death of Achilles was painted by Nicolai Abildgaard in 1798.

Where can I see The Death of Achilles?

The Death of Achilles is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is The Death of Achilles?

The Death of Achilles is associated with Neoclassicism.

Artwork

The Death of Achilles

Nicolai Abildgaard , 1798

The Death of Achilles is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Nicolai Abildgaard. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The Death of Achilles is a painting completed in 1798 by Nicolai Abildgaard, a Danish artist who worked in multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a scene from mythology, showing a wounded figure, possibly a king or hero, surrounded by mourners. A kneeling man, holding a scroll, appears to be paying tribute, while two women grieve over the fallen figure.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil paint, the work exemplifies the neoclassical style, characterized by its focus on historical and classical themes. Abildgaard's use of dramatic composition and classical motifs aligns with the movement's emphasis on antiquity.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst. Abildgaard, who was a professor at the New Royal Danish Academy of Art, worked on various royal commissions, including projects at Christiansborg, Fredensborg, and Levetzau Palaces.

Artist & collection

Artist

Nicolai Abildgaard

Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard (11 September 1743 – 4 June 1809) was a Danish neoclassical and royal history painter, sculptor, architect, and professor of painting, mythology, and anatomy at the New Royal Danish Academy of Art in Copenhagen…