Created:
Movement:
1883
Symbolism
key Notes:
Symbolic illumination, Classical allegory.
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Dimensions:
30 x 40 1/4 in. (76.2 x 102.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

"Virgil," painted by John La Farge in 1883, depicts the Roman poet Virgil in a contemplative pose, reflecting La Farge's interest in literary themes and the interplay of light and color. The work is significant for its innovative use of color and composition, which exemplifies La Farge's contributions to the American Aesthetic Movement and his mastery of the medium, particularly in the context of 19th-century American art.

Description of the work:

"Virgil" by John La Farge is an oil on canvas painting that depicts the Roman poet Virgil in a contemplative pose, surrounded by a lush, verdant landscape that enhances the sense of tranquility. The composition is characterized by La Farge's signature use of vibrant color and intricate detail, particularly in the rendering of Virgil's draped garments and the natural elements that frame the figure, creating a harmonious interplay between the subject and the environment.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Virgil