Advice for Revenge , 1871 by Artist Francesco Hayez ( 1791 - 1882 )

 Advice for Revenge by Artist Francesco Hayez

 

The second name of the painting is " The Oath of Vengeance " . The place of action is most likely Venice, where its author was born. Apparently the women have just left the masquerade as they are wearing masks. And one lady is clearly saying some unpleasant things to her interlocutor. 

Pay attention to the note in the hand of the masked woman and the reaction of the second lady: she almost cries. Based on the name of the canvas, it can be assumed that the letter contains evidence of the betrayal of the groom or spouse, and the masked woman persuades the unfortunate woman to take revenge on the offender. However, the friend is not at all who she claims to be.

“Advice on Revenge” is part of a triptych that includes the paintings “Accused of Treason” and “Revenge of a Rival” (the canvas is also known as “Venetian Women”). And you need to consider the paintings in the context of the history of their creation. 

It is assumed that the painter took the plot of the triptych from the poems of his friend, the poet Andrea Maffei. According to the text of the verses, the following happens in the pictures: 

"Revenge Advice": Maria (the woman in green) receives a note from Rachelle (the masked lady) with proof that Maria's lover is cheating on her. Rachel invites her friend to report the unfaithful to the authorities as a traitor to his country. 

"Charge of treason": Maria wrote a denunciation of her lover.

"Revenge of the rival": the man in red took the letter and takes it to the authorities, and Maria repented and tries to catch up with him. And all this was started by Rachel, who offered herself to her beloved Mary, but he refused her.

 Such is the revenge of the rejected woman.

" Advice for Revenge " , 1871 by Francesco Hayez ( 1791 - 1882 )