Voltaire (1694 - 1778)
About this artwork
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.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Sir William Quiller Orchardson (1832 - 1910) Scottish
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title:Voltaire (1694 - 1778)
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date created:Dated 1883
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:201.70 x 147.20 cm; Framed: 183.50 x 240.00 x 15.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Presented anonymously 1925
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accession number:NG 1658
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gallery:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Sir William Quiller Orchardson
Sir William Quiller Orchardson
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...