1723 -1798 · British neoclassicism, Rome, Homer and archaeology

Homeric heroes, sculptural gestures, disciplined compositions and passion for Antiquity make Gavin Hamilton a major player in the birth of European neoclassicism.

Gavin Hamilton was born in 1723 in Lanarkshire and studied at the University of Glasgow. He left for Rome in 1748 to train with Agostino Masucci, returned briefly to London, then settled permanently in Italy in 1756. In the papal capital, Hamilton became a history painter, portrait painter, archaeologist, merchant of antiques and advisor to travelers of the Grand Tour. His workshop is located at the crossroads of modern creation and the material rediscovery of Antiquity. Between 1758 and 1777, he designed an ambitious cycle of large canvases inspired by the Iliad. His workshop is located at the crossroads of modern creation and the material rediscovery of Antiquity. Between 1758 and 1777, he designed an ambitious cycle of large canvases inspired by the Iliad. His workshop is located at the crossroads of modern creation and the material rediscovery of Antiquity. Between 1758 and 1777, he designed an ambitious cycle of large canvases inspired by the Iliad. His workshop is located at the crossroads of modern creation and the material rediscovery of Antiquity. Between 1758 and 1777, he designed an ambitious cycle of large canvases inspired by the Iliad. His workshop is located at the crossroads of modern measured gestures and gravity nourished by Poussin and ancient reliefs. Brutus' Oath applies this discipline to the Roman civic narrative: moral decision and public sacrifice take precedence over the decorative effect. Venus presenting Helen to Paris shows a more sensual register, but the bodies, drapes and space remain ordered by the ancient ideal. Hamilton simultaneously directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of major statues to British collections. Hamilton also directs excavations, notably on sites near Rome, and participates in the circulation of artists and advises numerous patrons, helping to spread the new neoclassical taste. Died in Rome in 1798, Hamilton appears less as an isolated painter than as an essential mediator between ancient remains, painted history, collection and international culture of the Grand Tour. The "Gavin Hamilton" selection notably compares The Oath of Brutus and Venus presenting Helen to Paris. His reading favors the story.

Hamilton transforms Antiquity into modern discipline: the heroic gesture, the frieze and the silence give the story a new authority.