Hypatia is an oil on canvas painting created in 1885 by British painter Charles William Mitchell. It depicts the Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer Hypatia of Alexandria, who lived in the 4th century AD and was murdered by Christian fanatics. The painting belongs to the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne and measures 244.5 x 152.5 centimeters.
Historical and cultural context
Charles William Mitchell (1854-1903) was a British painter who trained at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. He was influenced by Pre-Raphaelitism, an artistic movement that sought to renew painting by drawing inspiration from Italian masters prior to Raphael. He was also marked by aestheticism, a trend that advocated art for art’s sake and the pursuit of ideal beauty.
Hypatia is one of his most well-known and ambitious works. He completed it in 1885, after visiting Italy and being impressed by the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. He chose as his subject a figure from classical culture, Hypatia of Alexandria, whom he depicted in a dramatic moment of her life: just before her murder.
Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 355-415) was a Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer who lived in Alexandria, then the cultural capital of the Mediterranean world. She was the daughter and disciple of Theon of Alexandria, a scholar who directed the famous Museum of Alexandria. She taught Neoplatonic philosophy, mathematics and astronomy to a circle of students from various religious and social backgrounds. She wrote commentaries on works by Diophantus, Apollonius and Ptolemy, but none of her writings have survived.
Hypatia was respected and admired for her wisdom and virtue, but also feared and hated for her political and religious influence. She was close to the Roman prefect Orestes, who was in conflict with Cyril, the Christian patriarch of Alexandria. In 415, a crowd of monks fanaticalized by Cyril attacked her in the street, dragged her to a church, stripped her naked, stoned her with pottery shards, then burned her body.
Analysis
The painting depicts Hypatia in dark austere interior contrasting with her luminous beauty. She is naked blonde hair loose along body.
She is in front Christian hotel when she was stripped executed.
Interpretation
The painting can be interpreted as romantic tragic representation Hypatia highlighting her beauty culture dignity facing barbarity that will destroy her. Painting expresses nostalgia classical world perceived ideal refinement harmony threatened dark forces religious fanaticism.
Painting can also be seen expression fin-de-siècle aestheticism valuing feminine beauty source artistic inspiration. Hypatia presented as femme fatale seducing intellectual sensual charm but also provoking own downfall independence audacity.
Painting can also be read metaphor artist’s condition modern society. Hypatia model painter writer seeking express world vision originality rigor.She also potential victim prejudices violence opposing work thought.
Hypatia masterpiece 19th century British painting skillfully illustrating dramatic episode ancient history. Painting testifies artistic genius Charles William Mitchell creating moving spectacular scene using contrasting colors realistic details evocative symbols.Painting also reflects historical cultural context created aesthetic philosophical ideas conveys.
