Summary description
Oil painting on canvas, A Council Chamber, a Scene from William Shakespeare's 'Othello' by John Opie, RA (St Agnes 1761 – London 1807). From Act II. sc.iii depicting the moment when Desdemona enters, attended.
Othello: Look! if my gentle love be not rais’d up;
[to Cassio] I’ll make thee an example.
Desdemona: What’s the matter?
Othello: All’s well now, sweeting; come away to bed.
Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your surgeon.
Lead him off [Montano is led off.]
Iago, look with care about the town,
And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted.
Come Desdemona; ’tis the soldiers’ life,
To have their balmy slumbers wak’d with strife.
Previously called The Night Brawl with Cassio and Rodrigo disturbing of Othello and Desdemona - Othello is in the centre, in red cloak and with a drawn sword. Iago, Montano, Cassio and Roderigo can be seen to the left. At right, Desdemona and a woman, a torch-bearer and a soldier.
Provenance
In the collection of the 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751-1837) by 1835 thence by descent; on loan from the Egremont Private Collection
Marks and inscriptions
Verso: In bold white paint: 356; in white chalk on stretcher: 356
Makers and roles
John Opie, RA (St Agnes 1761 – London 1807), artist
References
Earland 1911 A. Earland, John Opie and his Circle, 1911, p.337
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