Image source: en.wikipedia.org
Et in Arcadia ego
Artist:Guercino
| Support Type: | Canvas |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | National Gallery of Ancient Art (Palazzo Barberini) in Rome, Italy |
| Location History: | First documented in Rome's private Barberini collection in 1644, the canvas was later shifted to the Colonna of Sciarra family in 1812. Since 1897, the painting has been permanently housed at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica in Palazzo Barberini, Rome. |
Guercino’s Et in Arcadia ego is a powerful meditation on mortality. At first glance, the painting appears to depict an idyllic pastoral scene with shepherds in the mythical land of Arcadia, a traditional symbol of happiness and harmony. However, the discovery of a skull inscribed with the phrase Et in Arcadia ego abruptly interrupts this ideal world. The message suggests that death is present everywhere, even in places of beauty, youth, and apparent perfection.
Information Compiled by
Mim Afrin