The scene is derived from Marmontel's novel 'Bélisaire' (1767). The general Belisarius, unjustly blinded and impoverished by the eastern Roman emperor Justinian, is welcomed as a hero into the home of a peasant who introduces him to his family. At the left stands the peasant's son who had once served under Belisarius and who now plans vengeance against Justinian.
Like 'Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi' this painting may be a sketch exhibited by Peyron at the 1785 Paris Salon for a larger version of the subject now in Toulouse.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1744 - 1814
Full title
Belisarius receiving Hospitality from a Peasant
Date made
1779
Medium and support
Oil on paper laid down on canvas
Dimensions
55 x 84.5 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1995
Inventory number
NG6551
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Two Scenes from Ancient Roman History
Painting
Jean-François-Pierre Peyron
1781
