This large painting was displayed in the Paris Salon of 1814. It depicts a scene from the play Cinna by Corneille when the Emperor Augustus confronts Cornelius Cinna about his role in a conspiracy to kill the Emperor. Cinna's anxiety at being found out is clear as he rises defensively from his seat, wrinkling the rug in his haste. However, it is Augustus's intention to be merciful.
Julius Caesar’s great-nephew, Octavian, was proclaimed his heir following Caesar’s assassination in 44BC. Octavian became the first Roman Emperor and ruled under the name of Augustus. Cornelius Cinna was the brother of Julius Caesar’s wife, Cornelia. In AD4 he plotted to assassinate the Emperor Augustus in Gaul but Augustus discovered the plot and confronted Cinna.
Although Delécluze intended this as a formal history painting, the work was criticised for being too theatrical. It was also suggested that the face of Cornelius Cinna was a likeness of the famous actor François-Joseph Talma, who played the part of Cinna in a production of the play.
- TitleThe Emperor Augustus rebuking Cornelius Cinna for his Treachery
- Object numberB.M.367
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- Production placeFrance
- Date1814 - 1814
- Production periodFirst Empire
- School/styleFrench
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