Where Is Belisarius Begging for Alms? Museum Location

Q: Who was Belisarius?

Belisarius was a Byzantine general who legend says was blinded and reduced to begging after falling from favor.

Q: Where is this painting displayed?

The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille in France holds this Neoclassical work.

Q: Who was Belisarius?

Belisarius was a great Byzantine general who, according to legend, was blinded and reduced to begging by Emperor Justinian. David used this story to explore themes of injustice and fallen greatness in Neoclassical style.

Jacques-Louis David depicted the fallen general Belisarius reduced to begging in this powerful history painting. Once a hero of the Byzantine Empire, Belisarius sits blind and impoverished, recognized by a former soldier. The scene carries a warning about fortune's reversals.

David painted this during his rise to prominence as leader of the Neoclassical movement. The composition emphasizes moral and civic virtue. You can see this work at the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille in France.

Belisarius was a Byzantine general who legend says was blinded and reduced to begging after falling from favor.

The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille in France holds this Neoclassical work.

Belisarius was a great Byzantine general who, according to legend, was blinded and reduced to begging by Emperor Justinian. David used this story to explore themes of injustice and fallen greatness in Neoclassical style.

Belisarius Begging for Alms

Where to See It

The Artist

More by Jacques-Louis David

The Combat of Mars and Minerva

Portrait of Michel-Jean Sedaine

Mademoiselle Guimard

Patroclus

Also at Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, Lille

Study for the Race of the Barbarian Horses

Priam at Achilles feet

Head of a woman

After Dinner at Ornans

Related Neoclassicism Works

Grande Odalisque

Marie Antoinette with a Rose

The Turkish Bath

Self-Portrait in a Straw Hat

Portrait of Jean-Pierre-Francois Gilibert

Self-Portrait at the Age of 24

Portrait of Monsieur Rivière

Male nude

About Belisarius Begging for Alms

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