Elysium and Tartarus or The State of Final Retribution
Artist
James Barry
(1741 - 1806)
Date1791
MediumEngraving on paper
Dimensions43.7 x 93.8 cm
ClassificationsPrint
Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery.
Object number1151
DescriptionThis intaglio print (engraving) shows numerous groups of people strewn across a karst landscape. There is a type of palm tree on a pedestal with a highly decorative base on the far left. An angel in armour sits slightly off centre on a jagged rock holding a spear. The angel is probably the Archangel Michael guarding the entrance linking Elysium (heaven) and Tartarus (hell). Leaning on the same rock and looking into Tartarus is a figure of Justice, holding her balance. The figures in Elysium are dressed in various costumes, some classical, others medieval and a number are in contemporary 18th century clothing. Each group is being instructed by winged beings, probably angels. In Tartarus there is notably the figure of a pope as well as members of the Protestant clergy being tortured by demons.On View
Not on view![Elysium and Tartarus or the State of Final Retribution [7 of 17 Prints]](/internal/media/dispatcher/42/thumbnail)
![Engraving of Painting The State of Final Retribution by James Barry [11 of 17 Prints]](/internal/media/dispatcher/46/thumbnail)
![Engraving of Painting The State of Final Retribution by James Barry [8 of 17 Prints]](/internal/media/dispatcher/43/thumbnail)
![Engraving of Painting The State of Final Retribution by James Barry [9 of 17 Prints]](/internal/media/dispatcher/44/thumbnail)
![Engraving of Painting The State of Final Retribution by James Barry [10 of 17 Prints]](/internal/media/dispatcher/45/thumbnail)
![Engraving of Painting The State of Final Retribution by James Barry [12 of 17 Prints]](/internal/media/dispatcher/47/thumbnail)
School of Burne-Jones
![No. 11 "The Re-birth of the Arts" [From 'The Great War: Britain's Efforts And Ideals shown in a series of lithographic prints: 'The Ideals' series]](/internal/media/dispatcher/1504/thumbnail)
![Orpheus instructing a Savage People in Theology & the Arts of Social Life [2 of 17 Prints]](/internal/media/dispatcher/37/thumbnail)
John Bolton