Heraclius Sentencing the Tyrant Phocas
1566
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1566
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Heraclius Sentencing the Tyrant Phocas is a 1566 ink by Pierre II Woeiriot de Bouzey, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a dramatic scene with two men in robes. One sits on a raised platform, holding a round shield and a sword, while the other stands, pointing at him. Behind them, a crowd of small figures watches from a balcony. The seated man looks defeated, his head bowed. The artist used lots of lines to show light and shadow, making the figures stand out. The standing man’s gesture suggests he’s passing judgment, while the seated man’s shield and sword hint at his past power. This is a story of punishment and downfall, told through strong poses and sharp details. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this carved images into metal.
Pierre II Woeiriot de Bouzey (1532–1599) was an artist.
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