Segestes and his Daughter before Germanicus
Permanent ID:
12931Image Description:
This drawing was executed in pen and sepia wash and is undated. The image depicts a legendary episode from Roman history in which Segestes, a noble from the Germanic Cheruscan tribe surrendered his daughter, Thusnelda, to Germanicus, a Roman general, as a sign of surrender. West depicted the scene at a military camp with Germanicus seated to the left atop a platform. Segestes looks toward the platform, while Thusnelda stands to the right and look downward.This drawing is one of a small collection of drawings created by American-born artist Benjamin West (1738-1820) during his career in London (circa 1765-circa 1819).
Inscription:
Segestes and his Daughter before GermanicusBenjamin West [title and artist's signature in ink] (Verso)
301 Segestes and his Daughter before Germanicus, 7 1/5in. by 6 3/4in., sepia wash and pen, mounted, 15/- s.b. & f.
Another interpretation and considerably more microscopic ; here, the warrior upon an improvised platform immidiately outside his tent listens to the story of the captives ; an extensive view of the surrounding country dotted with tents and soldiery stretches away to the rear.
[printed label] (Verso)
BW. (Recto lower left)
Format:
Pen works; WashDimensions:
Width: 17 cm, Height: 19.5 cm (image)Width: 27 cm, Height: 29.5 cm (frame)