Agrippina with Her Children Going through the Roman Camp

Currently not on view

Agrippina with Her Children Going through the Roman Camp

c. 1785-1800

Benjamin West (English (born America), 1738–1820)

This work shows an early episode in the life of Agrippina, a Roman woman who accompanied her husband Germanicus on campaign. During a mutiny of the Roman troops, the pregnant Agrippina and her infant son Caligula attempted to leave the camp, but the soldiers were moved by her departure and eventually gave up the revolt. This etching and aquatint has been painstakingly touched with colored wash, perhaps by West himself. About 1800, West became interested in new graphic and reproductive processes and worked closely with publishers and engravers in making prints of his works.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Agrippina with Her Children Going through the Roman Camp

Date:

c. 1785-1800

Artist:

Benjamin West (English (born America), 1738–1820)

Medium:

Hand-colored etching and aquatint

Dimensions:

Image: 16 1/8 x 22 7/8 inches (41 x 58.1 cm) Plate: 16 5/16 x 23 inches (41.4 x 58.4 cm) Sheet: 18 7/16 x 25 inches (46.8 x 63.5 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

125th Anniversary Acquisition. Gift of the McNeil Americana Collection, 2007

Accession Number:

2007-65-14

Geography:

Made in England, Europe

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Currently not on view