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Jean-Joseph Benjamin Constant
The Empress Theodora at the Coliseum

circa 1889

About the Item

Benjamin Constant was an important figure in the Academic painting world in Paris and one of the leading French Romantic artists of the time. He is in all the museums of France and often painted historic or allegorical subject matter of significance and was known as an Orientalist movement artist. This is a stunning and lovely work by him that depicts an interesting moment in history, as around 1880 he began to focus more on portraiture. He became at this time the favorite artist of the upper echelons of society. Theodora was the wife of Emporer Justinian in the Roman Byzantine Empire. She is figured here in the Royal Box at the Coliseum where the pit is just below this spot. He has depicted her as very beautiful and there is a special focus on the brightly salmon colored slippers that she wears. This artist is celebrated for depicting rare and exotic subject matter and he traveled extensively. It was an impressive career and the body of work he produced is well represented throughout Europe. The frame is an older frame of Italian/Spanish style and very appropriate to the painting. A commanding and large work that can create an interesting and luxurious backdrop to any room! Marvelous value in today's market.
  • Creator:
    Jean-Joseph Benjamin Constant (1845 - 1902, French)
  • Creation Year:
    circa 1889
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 61.5 in (156.21 cm)Width: 43 in (109.22 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    The painting has been conserved and relined. Condition is very good and ready to hang. Under a UV light there is some retouch normal to the age and size of the canvas. Frame has some imperfections but normal to the age of the frame and patina.
  • Gallery Location:
    Greenwich, CT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1413214509082

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