Eugene Delacroix, The Death of Sardanapalus, 1826
Violent emotions are shown here with broad brushstrokes in the romantic era style. Just as we talked about in class, the horror and awe is portrayed in this painting, especially when understanding the back story. The Assyrian king, faced with the destruction of his palace by the Medes decided to prevent his enemies from enjoying his possessions safter his death by ordering that his wives horses and dogs be killed. Just the way that the king is laying on his bed depicts his awful resolve and unmoving pride.
He uses free violent brush strokes to portray the savage brutality. Just last month I was able to visit this painting in the Louvre museum at Paris. It is enormous sizing up to 145 inches X 195 inches. Standing in front of this cruel scene is breathtaking and it almost has an air of unreality. There is so much movement and the colors that are used are rich and warm. The detail and emotion is moving and really tells a story that requires self-reflection.
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