Hades

1850s · Oil painting · 20 × 25.4 cm

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Dove si trova «Hades» oggi? Collezione: Victoria and Albert Museum, Londra. Non esposta al momento. Verificato 25 settembre 2026.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Londra, Regno Unito

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Verificato: 16 giorni fa
Ultimo cambio di stato: 25 set 2026
Fonte: Il museo

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Sul dipinto

In Greek mythology Hades is the Lord of the Underworld. 'Hades' has also been used to refer to the dwelling place of the dead, over which the Lord of the Underworld presided. In this painting by George Cruikshank (1812-1870), it is unclear as to whether the Hades of the title refers to a person or a place, because central to the chaotic scene is a large and menacing creature.

Although it is unconnected to this oil painting, Cruikshank also produced an engraved Comic Alphabet, 1836, for which the letter 'O' was illustrated by a scene of the hero Orpheus playing a violin for Hades and his wife Persephone.

Cruikshank is best known for his humorous and satirical art work. Many of his images deal with the darker aspects of life. He also worked as an illustrator for the author Charles Dickens (1812-1870).

Victoria and Albert Museum

Scheda

Numero di inventario: 9569

Che cosa raffigura

Hades

In catalogo

Dipinti Olio Pittura britannica Realismo XIX secolo Gran Bretagna

Fonti

Victoria and Albert Museum
Immagine: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Nella vita di George Cruikshank

Tutta la vita

1835–1853
Publishes “The Comic Almanack”
He publishes “The Comic Almanack”, for which he prepares not only the illustrations but the text as well.
late 1840s
Becomes a champion of temperance
In the late 1840s Cruikshank’s attention shifts from book illustration to temperance and the fight against smoking: a former heavy drinker, he supports, lectures to and draws for the National Temperance Society and the Total Abstinence Society. His committed teetotalism further sours his friendship with Dickens, who held to moderation.
1849
His first wife dies
His wife Mary Ann (1807–1849) dies; two years later he marries again.
7 March 1851
Marries Eliza Widdison
On 7 March 1851, two years after his first wife’s death, he marries Eliza Widdison; the couple live at 263 Hampstead Road in north London.
1856
Becomes vice president of the National Temperance League
For his efforts in the cause he is made vice president of the National Temperance League.
1859
Organises a Rifle Volunteer Corps
When the invasion scare of 1859 gave rise to the Volunteer Movement, he became one of the organisers of Rifle Volunteer Corps: his 24th Surrey RVC recruited working men who were total abstainers and was named “Havelock’s Own” after Major-General Sir Henry Havelock.