HAYEZ, Francesco
(b. 1791, Venezia, d. 1882, Milano)

Crusaders Thirsting near Jerusalem

1836-50
Oil on canvas
Palazzo Reale, Turin

This is a fine example of the type of grandiose painting that Hayez produced on historical and literary subjects. He was often inspired by themes taken from the Middle Ages. Hidden under historical symbolism, they were really about the Italian Risorgimento. Similarly, classical subjects were chosen to evade censorship.