Gallery Edition – Oedipus before the Temple of the Furies between his Daughters Antigone and Ismene by Anton Raphael Mengs – 54×44 Interior Architectural Study

Curatorial Narrative In the realm of Neoclassical art, Anton Raphael Mengs’ “Oedipus before the Temple of the Furies between his Daughters Antigone and Ismene” (ca. 176061) occupies a pivotal position, bridging the gap between Renaissance revivalism and the emergent Modernist sensibilities. This painting’s figurative subject, rooted in ancient Greek tragedy, is rendered with linear brushwork that imbues the scene with a sense of restraint and intellectual rigor. The palette, characterized by neutral tones and sepia-like hues, creates an atmosphere of solemnity, underscoring the tragic narrative unfolding before us.When enlarged to 54×44, the painting’s chromatic structure assumes a profound spatial rhythm, infusing the surrounding environment with a sense of measured gravitas. The neutral tones, now amplified, interact with luxurious materials such as rich wood paneling or honed marble to create a dialogue of restrained opulence. As