A Division of the Spoils
"A Division of the Spoils" is a painting by John William Waterhouse, created in 1906. It depicts a scene from Homer's epic poem, the Iliad, where the spoils of war are distributed among the victors. The artwork captures the moment of tension and anticipation as the characters await their share of the treasures.
The painting features several figures, including Achilles and Agamemnon, surrounded by rich colors and intricate details. Waterhouse's use of light and shadow enhances the emotional weight of the scene, emphasizing themes of power, conflict, and the consequences of war.