ODEVAERE, Joseph-Denis
(b. 1775, Bruges, d. 1830, Bruxelles)

Lord Byron on his Death-bed

c. 1826
Oil on canvas, 166 x 234,5 cm
Groeninge Museum, Bruges

The premature death of the celebrated poet at Missolonghi in 1824 shocked the entire civilized world. Byron the Romantic became a heroic symbol of liberty for the philhellenist movement, which supported the Greek war of independence against the Turks.

The English poet lies bathed in a red glow like an ancient Greek hero. The titles of his poems are inscribed in laurel wreaths along the edge of his bed.