Phryne revealed before the Areopagus
1861
This dramatic scene captures the trial of Phryne, a famous ancient Greek courtesan accused of impiety. When her defense was failing, her lawyer Hypereides (the man in blue on the left) dramatically pulled off her robe to reveal her stunning beauty, arguing that such perfection must be divine and thus she couldn't be guilty. The judges of the Areopagus, clad in striking red robes, are completely awestruck—some cover their eyes in shame, others look on in wonder, and one even stands up in shock. It’s a classic example of Academic art, where historical drama meets flawless, almost photographic technique, designed to shock and delight 19th-century audiences.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
- Material
- Canvas
Location: Kunsthalle Hamburg
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