Voltaire was at a dinner hosted by the Duc de Sully at which he outsmarted the Duc de Rohan in argument. Rohan had Voltaire summoned from the room and beaten by his servants. The incident represented is Voltaire's return to the dining-room, and his appeal to his host to challenge the insult. The guests are seated at an elaborately laid table, the Duc at the head turning disdainfully to Voltaire, who stands with white face, clenched hands, and irate gesture, to the right.
Sir William Quiller Orchardson (Scottish, 1832 - 1910)
Orchardson was an outstanding narrative painter, who deftly used body language and expression, as well as descriptive detail, to communicate feelings and mood. He was also a gifted portraitist. As a mature student of the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh, he joined other talented students of Robert Scott Lauder, with whom he formed life-long and mutually inspiring friendships. In 1862 he moved to London where he shared a house and studio with fellow student John Pettie. His large, meticulous paintings of historical and contemporary subjects were much admired. In 1877 he was elected a Royal Academician and in 1907 knighted.
