Peace and War
1788
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1788
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
This painting shows a man and a woman in a classical setting. The man is dressed in a red cape and a silver helmet with a gold griffin on top. He holds a sword in his right hand and a branch in his left. The woman, wearing a white dress with a gold sash, reaches out to touch the branch. She also holds a shield behind her back. The scene is set against a dark background with trees and a cloudy sky. The man's expression is serious, while the woman's is calm. The contrast between the man's armor and the woman's gentle gesture creates a sense of tension. This painting is reminiscent of the work of Pompeo Batoni, who was known for his classical and mythological scenes.
