The Oath of Hannibal
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| The Oath of Hannibal | |
|---|---|
_-_The_Oath_of_Hannibal_-_RCIN_405417_-_Royal_Collection.jpg) | |
| Artist | Benjamin West |
| Year | 1770 |
| Type | Oil on canvas, history painting |
| Dimensions | 224.9 cm × 307.7 cm (88.5 in × 121.1 in) |
| Location | Royal Collection, London |
The Oath of Hannibal is a 1770 history painting by the Anglo-American artist Benjamin West.[1] It depicts the moment when the nine-year-old Hannibal is taken to a temple by his father Hamilcar Barca to swear an oath of eternal enmity to the Roman Republic.[2]
West, later President of the Royal Academy, was known for history paintings featuring classical scenes as well as more modern works such as The Death of General Wolfe.
This and a companion piece The Departure of Regulus, also featuring a scene from the Punic Wars, were commissioned by George III to hang in Buckingham Palace. Painted at a cost of 400 guineas, it was exhibited at the Royal Academy Exhibition of 1771 in Pall Mall.[3] Along with his depictions of James Wolfe, it was one of the hits of the exhibition and led to further commissions from the king.[4]
