Requiescat (painting)
| Requiescat | |
|---|---|
| Artist | Briton Rivière |
| Year | 1888 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 158.7 cm × 225.0 cm (62.5 in × 88.6 in) |
| Location | Art Gallery of New South Wales |
Requiescat is an oil on canvas painting by British artist Briton Rivière completed in 1888.
The painting depicts an armored medieval knight lying atop a bed with a blue floral sheet. A dog (often identified as a bloodhound) sits besides the bed while observantly looking towards the face of the knight on whom a wreath is placed, indicating death.
The dog's expression is potentially explained by the title of the painting, Requiescat, meaning "a prayer for the repose of a dead person" as the dog keeps vigil over his late owner.