Artwork

The Afterglow in Egypt

The Afterglow in Egypt, by William Holman Hunt, oil, 1861
The Afterglow in Egypt, by William Holman Hunt, oil, 1861

The Afterglow in Egypt is an oil painting by the Orientalist artist William Holman Hunt. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Afterglow in Egypt is a painting created by William Holman Hunt in 1861 using oil paint. It is part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a woman in a field, holding a vase and a birdcage, accompanied by a cow and other animals. She gazes directly at the viewer, conveying a sense of serenity. The scene is characterized by muted colors, with blues and greens predominating.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Hunt's use of chiaroscuro and impasto techniques, consistent with his Pre-Raphaelite style, which emphasizes detailed and symbolic representation.

Context

The Afterglow in Egypt is associated with the Orientalist movement, which presented North African and Middle Eastern scenes through a European perspective.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Holman Hunt

Artist

William Holman Hunt

William Holman Hunt (2 April 1827 – 7 September 1910) was an English painter and one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

Ashmolean Museum

Museum

Ashmolean Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Ashmolean Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.