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The Death of King Laius

Unknown

1700

oil

canvas

From the collection of National Galleries Scotland

Barbizon school 18th Century Mythology Aeneas

Dominant colour

The Death of King Laius is a 1700 oil by Unknown, a Barbizon school work, depicting Aeneas, held at National Galleries Scotland.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1700 · Barbizon school
Where can I see it?: National Galleries Scotland

About this work

In the painting, a man lies on the ground, his body bare except for a white cloth draped over his lower half. He appears to be dead or dying, with a dark object near his head. A woman in a red robe stands over him, looking down with concern. A man in an orange robe sits beside her, also gazing at the fallen figure. A wooden cart with a large wheel is visible behind them. The scene is set against a dark, wooded backdrop, with the figures illuminated by a warm, golden light. The atmosphere is somber and introspective, with a sense of sadness and loss. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and emotion to the scene.