The wounded Alcibiades. Oil painting formerly attributed to Jean Charles Nicaise Perrin.
- Perrin, Jean Charles Nicaise, 1754-1831.
- Reference:
- 45007i
- Pictures
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Description
Alcibiades and Socrates are said by Plutarch to have fought side by side in the Potidaea campaign 432-431 BC. Although both warriors distinguished themselves during the battle, when Alcibiades was wounded, Socrates defended him. However, as Alcibiades held the higher position, it was he who was awarded the trophy of honour. Socrates bore witness to Alcibiades’ bravery, never mentioning his own role. In the painting, Socrates is shown on the extreme right in profile, with black hair, i.e. portrayed at a younger age than usual
Physical description
1 painting : oil on canvas ; canvas 53.5 x 90.5 cm
Contributors
Creator/production credits
Formerly attributed to Joseph-Marie Vien or an artist in his circle, as a deduction from the label attached to the frame. The label has the same format as a label on a painting by Vien that was sold at Sotheby's (information from Mr John Somerville, Sotheby's, May 1981). A letter to the Wellcome Library from Prof. Thomas W. Gaehtgens, Berlin, states that in his opinion the painting is not by Vien. Mr Humphrey Wine of the National Gallery suggested in 2006 that the painter could be Jean Charles Nicaise Perrin. Photographs at the Witt Library were thought to support this suggestion, but M. Sylvain Bellenger believes the painting is not by Perrin (24 November 2007)
Reference
Wellcome Collection 45007i
Type/Technique
Subjects
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed storesNote