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The Voltaire Incident, 1883-1907, (c1930). Creator: William Quiller Orchardson
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The Voltaire Incident, 1883-1907, (c1930). Creator: William Quiller Orchardson
The Voltaire Incident, 1883-1907, (c1930). Scene based on a real incident: the French satirist Voltaire (1694-1778) has been beaten by the servants of the Duc de Rohan after Voltaire outsmarted him in an argument at dinner. He angrily appeals to the host, the Duc de Sully (seated at the head of the dining table), to challenge the insult. Unfortunately his appeal was in vain. Painting in the Dundee Art Galleries and Museums Collection, Dundee, Scotland. From " Modern Masterpieces of British Art". [The Amalgamated Press Ltd. London, c1930]
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Media ID 19173332
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Accident Amalgamated Press Amalgamated Press Limited Amalgamated Press Ltd Anger Angry Arguing Argument Arouet Arouet Francois Marie Dining Table Dinner Party Duke Francois Marie Francois Marie Arouet Francois Marie Arouet De Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire Fury Guest Guests Incident Insult Insulting Intellectual Modern Masterpieces Of British Art Offended Orchardson Party Rage Satirist Sir William Quiller Orchardson The Amalgamated Press Voltaire Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet De William Orchardson William Quiller William Quiller Orchardson Insulted
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Voltaire Incident, 1883-1907: A Captivating Depiction of Intellectual Triumph and Humiliation". In this print by William Quiller Orchardson, we are transported back to the 18th century French dining table where a real-life incident unfolds. The renowned French satirist Voltaire finds himself in an intense argument with the Duc de Rohan, only to outsmart him with his sharp wit and intellect. However, victory quickly turns into humiliation as the enraged servants of the Duc take matters into their own hands. With anger etched on his face, Voltaire appeals desperately to the host of the dinner party, the esteemed Duc de Sully. Seated at the head of the table, he witnesses this clash between intellectual giants but remains unmoved by Voltaire's plea for justice. The frustration and fury in Voltaire's eyes are palpable as he realizes that his appeal has fallen on deaf ears. Orchardson skillfully captures not just a moment in history but also complex emotions through color and composition. The richly detailed interior setting transports us to a time when intellectual debates were held amidst opulent surroundings. This painting serves as a reminder that even great minds can be insulted and humiliated despite their brilliance. It is a testament to both human fallibility and resilience in the face of adversity. Displayed proudly within Dundee Art Galleries and Museums Collection in Scotland, this masterpiece continues to captivate viewers with its portrayal of intellectual triumph turned sour.
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