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The Martyrdom of the Blessed Signoretto Alliata

Giuseppe Cades

1798

oil

canvas

From the collection of Walters Art Museum

Neoclassicism 18th Century Aeneas

Dominant colour

The Martyrdom of the Blessed Signoretto Alliata is a 1798 oil by Giuseppe Cades, a Neoclassicism work, depicting Aeneas, held at Walters Art Museum.

Who painted this?: Giuseppe Cades
When & what style?: 1798 · Neoclassicism
Where can I see it?: Walters Art Museum

About this work

This painting depicts a dramatic scene of martyrdom, with a central figure being attacked by a group of men. The central figure is dressed in a white robe, with a halo surrounding their head, and appears to be in a state of distress. The attackers are shown in various poses, some with weapons raised, while others seem to be restraining the central figure. In the background, a rocky landscape is visible, with a body of water in the distance. The overall mood of the painting is one of turmoil and violence, with the central figure's fate hanging in the balance. To learn more about the artistic technique used in this painting, explore the concept of chiaroscuro.