Art and Art History Collection (Saskia)

The Death of Sardanapalus (detail)

Creator

Unknown

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Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Abstract

A passionate, anarchical, and emotional painting a riot of excess, eroticism, and sadism. One of the most romantic paintings of the Romantic epoch; when it was first exhibited it produced a frisson of admiration mixed with horror at the barbarism of the image. The painting shows King Sardanapalus whose empire was being ravaged by the Medes, apparently unconcerned that his life, time, and empire have come to a crushing end. It illustrates the legend of King Assyrien who, besieged, had cut the throats of his wives and his horses, before following them in death.

Keywords

Paris, France, Style: French Romantic, School: Romantic, Movement: Romanticism, French, Painting;, Painting

Subject: topical

Style: French Romantic; School: Romantic; Movement: Romanticism; French; Painting;

Subject: geographic

Paris, France

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Genre

Painting; picture

Holding Location

University of South Florida USF

Collection

Art and Art History (Saskia)

Identifier

A01-NFF0242

The Death of Sardanapalus (detail)

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