Artwork
Hannibal recognises the head of his brother Hasdrubal
Hannibal recognises the head of his brother Hasdrubal is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. It dates from 1729 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Carthaginian general Hannibal recognizing the severed head of his brother, Hasdrubal Barca.
The painting depicts the Carthaginian general Hannibal recognizing the severed head of his brother, Hasdrubal Barca. The scene illustrates the moment Hannibal identifies the remains of his sibling, who was killed by Roman forces. The work's iconography centers on the grim discovery of the head, serving as the focal point of the composition.
This subject represents a specific episode of tragedy and loss within the broader historical conflict between Carthage and Rome, capturing the personal grief of the military leader amidst war.
History & Provenance
The painting was created in 1729 by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo as an oil on canvas work depicting Hannibal recognizing the severed head of his brother Hasdrubal. It entered the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where it remains on display. The work is catalogued in the museum's holdings and is documented in both the museum's collection records and the Italian Wikipedia entry on the subject. Its dimensions are 383 cm in height and 182 cm in width.
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo's 1729 oil painting, Hannibal recognises the head of his brother Hasdrubal, is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The work is cataloged with inventory dimensions of 383 cm in height and 182 cm in width, executed on canvas. While the painting is confirmed to be part of the museum's permanent holdings, the provided sources do not list a specific accession number or detail any past or future exhibition history for the piece.
Overview
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo's 1729 oil painting depicts a poignant moment from ancient history, capturing the emotional response of Hannibal upon recognizing the severed head of his brother Hasdrubal.
Technique & Style
Tiepolo employed dramatic chiaroscuro, juxtaposing bold colors (notably Hannibal's red tunic) with muted landscape tones, to create a sense of raw urgency and emotional depth, heightened by the contrast between light and dark.
Context
The work reflects Tiepolo's ability to interpret historical and mythological themes with emotional intensity, characteristic of Baroque painting's emphasis on dramatic narrative.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to Tiepolo's reputation for capturing poignant moments in history with expressive use of light and color.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, also known as Giambattista Tiepolo, was an Italian painter and printmaker from the Republic of Venice who painted in the Rococo style, considered an important member of the 18th-century Venetian school.
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