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Notes
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The painting represents an episode in Belisaire, a novel by Jean-François Marmontel, published in 1767. The novel is based on the legend of Belisarius, the Byzantine general (about 505–565) who according to this account was blinded and impoverished by the Roman emperor Justinian. Peyron depicts the episode when Belisarius is given hospitality at the home of a peasant who recognises the hero fallen on hard times. The two women of the family place their infants on his knee to give him thanks and receive his blessing. The peasant’s son looks away from his wife and child as he contemplates his former general. Peyron uses contrasting light and shade and different spaces to underline the emotional conflict. This picture is the finished sketch for a painting now in the Musée des Augustins in Toulouse.
Title
Belisarius receiving Hospitality from a Peasant
Date
1779
Medium
Oil on paper laid down on canvas
Measurements
H 55 x W 84.5 cm
Accession number
NG6551
Acquisition method
Bought, 1995
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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Belisarius receiving Hospitality from a Peasant The National Gallery, London