Poussin as Inspiration

Webster further observes: ‘In this essay in classical Baroque, Zoffany appears to have taken Poussin as his principal model rather than the exuberant Baroque of the Venetians.’ (M. Webster, op. cit., p. 40). This composition is signed with the German spelling of Zoffany’s name, and can be compared with another early work, Venus Bringing Arms to Aeneas.

A Homeric Scene

It depicts a scene from the Trojan War, in which the Greek warrior Ulysses (or Odysseus), having sacked Troy, searches among the ruins for the infant he is afraid might one day avenge the death of his father Hector. Andromache, mother of Hector and wife of King Priam of Troy, has hidden the child in Hector’s sarcophagus, but Ulysses wrests him from her and hurls him from the walls of the city.

A German Artist in England

Johann Zoffany was born near Frankfurt in 1733 and later settled in England. He acquired much of his training in Rome, where he lived and worked from 1750-57, becoming a favourite portraitist among the British Grand Tourists visiting the city. After moving to London in 1760, Zoffany was befriended by the popular actor David Garrick, and his entry into society was assured. Zoffany was introduced to George II, who commissioned a portrait and was so pleased with the result that he nominated Zoffany to the newly established Royal Academy in 1769.

This impressive piece, and many other beautiful works of art will be on offer at Dreweatts' Old Master, British & European Art sale on 11 June 2025.

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Auction Details

11 June 2025, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING IN LONDON (HIGHLIGHTS)
Tuesday 27 May: 10am-4pm
Wednesday 28 May: 10am-4pm
Thursday 29 May: 10am-4pm

VIEWING IN NEWBURY (FULL SALE)
Sunday 8 June: 10am-3pm
Monday 9 June: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 10 June: 10am-4pm

FURTHER INFORMATION: 
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | pictures@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com

Literature:
M. Webster, Johann Zoffany 1733-1810, New Haven and London, 2011, pp. 38-40, no. 36 (illus. p. 38)