The artwork, titled “Vortigern, King of Britain, Enamoured with Rowena at the Banquet of Hengist, the Saxon General,” was created by Angelica Kauffman in 1770. Executed in oil, this historical painting belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement.
In the artwork, the scene depicts a banquet attended by various figures clad in historical garb. Central to the composition is King Vortigern, who appears entranced by Rowena. The setting is atmospheric and filled with dim light, contributing to the sense of drama and historical narrative. The figures in the background are engaged in conversation or observing the central interaction, while the architecture and natural elements recede into the shadows, providing a contextual backdrop to this pivotal moment in the narrative. The overall mood is one of reverence and contemplation, with a focus on the significant historical event being depicted.
