Sack of Rome

Genseric sacking Rome 455 (1833-1836) by the Russian painter Karl Pavlovich Briullov (1799-1852).

Despite Briullov is considered the most important Russian romantic painter the neoclassical influence is still very dominant here. Wilde barbaric hordes are sacking Rome the cradle of modern culture.

Besides the barbarian costumes are still very dilettantish indicating the poor state of historical research.

A Broken Hero

Belisarius receiving hospitality from a peasant who had served under him (1779) by the French neoclassical painter Jean-François Pierre Peyron (1744-1814).

Peyron was one of the most influential neoclassical painters of his time until the rise of David. He shows here the great Byzantine General who defeated Vandals and Ostrogoths but was nonetheless blinded by an ungrateful Emperor. Here the old blind hero is still worshiped by one of his veterans.

More Good Old Times

A genre painting by the Spanish painter Francisco José Domingo y Marqués (1842-1920).

Domingo y Marqués turned later to Impressionism but first he did many traditional history paintings. There he prefered genre paintings with subjects from the 17th or 18th century, normally depicting a merry colourful past.

Marble Past

Spring (1894) by the Dutch born British painter Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadelma (1836-1912).

One of the typical idyllic simulations of old Rome by Alma-Tadelma. All is splendid marble, colourful flowers, celebrating women and jubilant children. What a time!

Chaos and Disaster

Crossing the Berezina (1866) by the Polish painter January Suchodolski (1797-1875).

Suchodolski shows here no individualistic or even heroic struggle. The battle (if it could be called one) has dissolved in pure chaos and disorder. Impressive are the huge masses of fleeing troops.