Art Every Day

Art Every Day

Share this post

Art Every Day
Art Every Day
Jean Leon Gérôme - With a Turned Thumb (Pollice Verso)

Jean Leon Gérôme - With a Turned Thumb (Pollice Verso)

Sep 19, 2023
∙ Paid
12

Share this post

Art Every Day
Art Every Day
Jean Leon Gérôme - With a Turned Thumb (Pollice Verso)
4
Share

Depicting the dramatic climax of a gladiator bout- where the defeated fighter lies on the floor, begging for mercy, and the victorious gladiator looks up to the crowds, to be given instruction as to whether to spare his opponents life, or finish it - this painting by Jean Leon Gérôme is Academic art at it’s very best.

The “turned thumb” gesture in this c…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Art Every Day to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 George Bothamley
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share