HABET! (He is hit!) IN THE COLISEUM A.D.XC
Oil on canvas
102 by 122cm., 40 by 48in.
Private collection
A striking scene in a Roman Amphitheater. The cry of Habet! (He is hit!) echoes around as the women make the decision whether to slay the vanquished gladiator or allow him to live. The women's reactions vary from the anguish of the girl who has fainted in a pallid swoon, the horror of another who rushes forward with animated wide-eyed expression, the pity of the woman on the far left whose brow is furrowed with concern and the blood-lust of the golden-haired woman who is making a gesture that suggests that she wants to see the gladiator killed.
'The central woman was identified as an empress by most contemporary critics: heavy lidded, full lipped and draped in a blood-red robe, she displays a more mature and disturbing sensuality than the younger women. Her décolletage reveals the swelling of her heavy breasts; the ornate gold necklace draws attention to the bosom, where there hangs a winged male figure, perhaps an Eros, and probably based on a particular artefact.' More on this painting
Simeon Solomon (9 October 1840 – 14 August 1905) was an English Pre-Raphaelite painter noted for his
depictions of Jewish life and same-sex desire. Born and educated in London, Solomon started
receiving lessons in painting from his older brother around 1850. He started
attending Carey's Art Academy in 1852. His older sister first exhibited her
works at the Royal Academy during the same year.
As a
student at the Royal Academy Schools, Solomon was introduced to other members
of the Pre-Raphaelite circle. His first exhibition was at the Royal Academy in
1858. He continued to hold exhibitions of his work at the Royal Academy between
1858 and 1872. In addition to the literary paintings favoured by the
Pre-Raphaelite school,
In 1873
his career was cut short when he was arrested and charged with attempting to
commit sodomy: he was fined £100. He was arrested again in 1874 in Paris, after
which he was sentenced to spend three months in prison.
After his
prosecutions he no longer exhibited, but achieved a degree of celebrity amongst
those who shared his sensibilities: Oscar Wilde, John Addington Symonds, Count
Eric Stenbock, and Walter Pater all collected his works.
In 1884 he was admitted to the workhouse where he continued
to produce work, but his life and talent were blighted by alcoholism. Twenty
years later in 1905, he died from complications brought on by his
alcoholism. More Simeon
Solomon
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