The Woman Taken in AdulteryJohn Trumbull · 1811
Oil- WallArt
- Romanticism
1811- 19th Century
Yale University Art Gallery
John Trumbull (1756 – 1843)
John Trumbull (1756-1843), 'Painter of the Revolution,' vividly documented America's fight for independence through iconic historical paintings like the Declaration of Independence. Explore his legacy!
Yale University Art Gallery (Hartford, United States of America)
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A Moment of Judgment
A woman kneels in a position of profound vulnerability, her hands pressed against the ground as she bows before a circle of men. The scene is rendered in a monochromatic palette, stripping away the distraction of color to focus on the stark tension of the encounter. Surrounding her, several figures stand in varying degrees of proximity, their presence forming a silent, judging perimeter. The composition is punctuated by two clocks—one in the upper left and another toward the bottom right—which anchor the scene in a specific, fleeting moment of temporal consequence.
Composition and Symbolism
The arrangement of figures creates a heavy, claustrophobic atmosphere. The woman’s downward posture contrasts with the verticality of the men, establishing a clear hierarchy of power and shame. The inclusion of timepieces introduces a layer of existential weight, suggesting that the window for mercy or retribution is rapidly closing. This interplay between the human drama and the mechanical measurement of time heightens the gravity of the accusation being passed.
About this artwork
- Title: The Woman Taken in Adultery
- Artist: John Trumbull
- Year: 1811
- Format: Portrait
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Yale University Art Gallery
- Medium type: WallArt
- Corpus context: moral dilemma, patriotism
- Color palette: Earthy
- Main color: Espresso
Quick Facts
- Artist: John Trumbull
- Year: 1811
- Subject or theme: Adultery and judgment
Questions & Answers
What are the author and date of "The Woman Taken in Adultery"?
John Trumbull made "The Woman Taken in Adultery" in 1811.
How does "The Woman Taken in Adultery" fit into John Trumbull's themes and style?
"The Woman Taken in Adultery" shares with John Trumbull's other works its Romanticism style and the recorded themes: classical idealism, patriotism, moral dilemma, religious critique, historical narrative.
What color palette is used in "The Woman Taken in Adultery" by John Trumbull?
The colors of "The Woman Taken in Adultery" form an earthy palette. This classification describes the dominant color families.