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Irene - a play by Samuel Johnson
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Irene - a play by Samuel Johnson
Irene is a Neoclassical tragedy written between 1726 and 1749 by Samuel Johnson. Johnsons main source for the story of Irene was Richard Knolless Generall Historie of the Turkes (1603). In Knolless work, the Sultan Mahomet conquers Constantinople in 1453 and captures a Greek Christian named Irene. He decides to take her as his mistress, and while pursuing her romantically he ignores his duties as a monarch. Soon, the kingdom is falling apart from neglect and the subjects begin to riot, so Mahomet kills Irene to prove his dedication to his people (as depicted here). Date: circa 1730
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Media ID 18072517
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
1453 1730s Constantinople Cuts Cutting Drama Irene Johnson Killed Killing Kills Mahomet Mistress Samuel Sultan 15th Knolles
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print depicts a pivotal moment from Samuel Johnson's Neoclassical tragedy, 'Irene.' Set in the 15th century, the play is based on historical events recounted in Richard Knolles' 'General Historie of the Turkes.' In the image, Sultan Mahomet, portrayed with an authoritative and regal demeanor, raises his sword above the head of the beautiful Greek Christian woman, Irene. The scene represents the tragic climax of the play, where Mahomet, having neglected his duties as a monarch in pursuit of Irene's affections, ultimately decides to end her life to prove his unwavering devotion to his people. The kingdom's chaos and the subjects' riots have reached a boiling point, leaving Mahomet with no other choice but to sacrifice Irene. The print, dating back to the 1730s, captures the intensity and passion of Johnson's tragic tale, as well as the complexities of power, love, and duty in the context of the 15th-century Ottoman Empire.
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