Hubert and Arthur (from Shakespeare's 'King John')
1790
oil
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
1790
oil
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
The painting depicts a scene of two men, one younger and one older, with their arms outstretched and hands touching. The younger man has blonde hair and wears a brown and white robe, while the older man has dark hair and wears a red robe. The background is dark, with only the figures illuminated. The scene appears to be a dramatic moment, with the two men in a state of tension or conflict. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figures. This painting is reminiscent of the work of Rembrandt, who was known for his use of chiaroscuro to create dramatic and emotionally charged scenes.
