Francesca da Rimini by Ary Scheffer at the Wallace Collection, London

I travelled to see Francesca da Rimini by Ary Scheffer at the Wallace Collection in London. Come join me there too. Welcome to Art, Culture & Travel with me, Anthony King.

Ary Scheffer, born February 10th, 1795, was a Dutch-French Romantic painter recognized for his fascination with literary themes. His work prominently featured interpretations of renowned literary works by Dante, Goethe, Lord Byron, and Walter Scott, alongside religious motifs. Created in 1835, this oil painting stands as one of his most celebrated masterpieces. It depicts a scene from Dante’s ‘Inferno,’ capturing the journey of Dante and his guide, Virgil, through the depths of Hell. At the heart of the composition are the tragic figures of Paolo and Francesca, forever condemned to the tumultuous darkness of the second circle of Hell, alongside other souls consumed by lust.

By Anthony King (c)