Artwork
The Battle of Pharsalus and the Death of Pompey
The Battle of Pharsalus and the Death of Pompey is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Workshop of Apollonio di Giovanni. It dates from 1455 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1455, this tempera on panel depicts the climactic encounter at Pharsalus and the subsequent demise of the Roman commander Pompey. Executed by the workshop of Apollonio di Giovanni, the work now belongs to the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑15th‑century narrative painting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition illustrates the decisive battle between Julius Caesar’s forces and those of Pompey, emphasizing the chaos of combat and the moment of Pompey’s death. By foregrounding the fallen general in a distinctive red garment, the artist underscores the tragedy of his defeat while also celebrating the triumph of Caesar’s army.
Technique & Style
Tempera, applied to a wooden panel, gives the scene a luminous yet slightly muted palette that has softened with age. The medium’s rapid drying time results in crisp outlines and fine detailing, visible in the rendered armor and horse tack. The hand of multiple assistants is apparent in the varied brushwork, lending the piece a lively, if not uniformly polished, appearance.
History & Provenance
The painting emerged from Apollonio di Giovanni’s Florentine workshop, a collaborative environment where apprentices contributed to large commissions. After circulating among private collections, it entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings in the early 20th century, where it has been conserved and studied as part of the museum’s Renaissance holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Workshop of Apollonio di Giovanni
This was the 15th-century Florence studio where a team of painters cranked out story-rich panels night and day.
