Artwork

Troilus and Cressida, Act IV, Scene V: The Fight Between Hector and Ajax II

Troilus and Cressida, Act IV, Scene V: The Fight Between Hector and Ajax II is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist George Romney. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Romney's drawing, 'Troilus and Cressida, Act IV, Scene V: The Fight Between Hector and Ajax II', was created around 1790 and is now held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington. It is a pen and gray ink drawing with gray wash over graphite.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing illustrates a pivotal moment from Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida, depicting the intense battle between Hector and Ajax II. The scene is characterized by the tense bodies and strained faces of the warriors, conveying the ferocity of their combat.

Technique & Style

Romney employed a range of techniques to capture the drama of the scene, using pen, gray ink, and gray wash over graphite to create depth and texture. The blurred landscape in the background serves to focus attention on the two warriors in the foreground.

Context

This work is associated with the Romanticism movement, which emphasized the expression of emotion and the depiction of dramatic scenes.

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Artist & collection

Artist

George Romney

George Romney (26 December 1734 – 15 November 1802) was an English painter. He was the most fashionable artist of his day, painting many leading society figures – including his artistic muse, Emma Hamilton, mistress of Lord Nelson.