Corneille / Heraclius
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Corneille / Heraclius
HERACLIUS The character of Phocas, emperor of the East
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Media ID 625183
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10068280
1647 Character Corneille Heraclius Performed Phocas Plays
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, entitled "Heraclius: The Character of Phocas" by the renowned French playwright Pierre Corneille, depicts Emperor Heraclius (575-641 AD) in a dramatic moment from Corneille's historical play, "Heraclius," first performed in Paris in 1647. The play, based on the tumultuous events of the Byzantine Empire during Heraclius' reign, explores the complexities of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Heraclius, portrayed here with an intense and determined expression, was a pivotal figure in Byzantine history. He ascended to the throne at the age of twenty-one, following the assassination of his father, Emperor Phocas. Heraclius' reign was marked by military campaigns against the Sassanian Empire, the restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem, and the introduction of the gold solidus coin. Corneille's play, however, focuses on the character of Phocas, the usurper who preceded Heraclius. The image shows Heraclius in the midst of a confrontation with Phocas, who is depicted as a cowering, defeated figure. The play explores the motivations and actions of both characters, shedding light on the political intrigue and power struggles that defined the Byzantine Empire during this period. This print, a testament to the rich historical and theatrical traditions of the seventeenth century, offers a glimpse into the complex world of Byzantine politics and the enduring power of drama to explore the human condition. The intricate details of the costumes, the dramatic lighting, and the intense expressions of the actors bring the historical figures to life, transporting us back to a time when the fate of empires hung in the balance.
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