Orestes Gallery

The Meeting of Orestes and Hermione, c. 1800. Creator: Anne-Louis Girodet de Roucy-Trioson (French

The Meeting of Orestes and Hermione, c. 1800. When Jacques-Louis David was approached to work on a new edition of Jean Racine's plays, the great Neoclassical artist passed the task to his pupil Girodet, who excelled at illustrating literature. This highly refined drawing depicts a scene from Racine's Andromaque, a complex tale of unrequited love and political treachery. Cleone introduces the love-blind Orestes to Hermione, who exploits his affection to make him do her bidding. Girodet skillfully contrasts Orestes's eagerness and Hermione's calculating character. With folded arms, she turns away, standing like a statue between the columns of a cool marble interior. Yet Hermione's sly, backward glance alerts the viewer of her cunning manipulation, which eventually drives Orestes mad

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Orestes pursued by the Furies, 1858

Orestes pursued by the Furies, 1858. Lord Palmerston, Leader of the Opposition, is pursued by the Furies. These are John Bright holding the cat o nine tails, Disraeli, the Conservative chancellor of the Exchequer with the birch and the brand, and a third, more schematic, Fury represents Roebuck. This cartoon refers to what Punch called The Battle of the Ballot in which the extension of the franchise was discussed. John Bright and Disraeli were both advocates of the extension, whereas Palmerston just as passionately opposed any such extension. However, as Punch reported, the fight ended with the usual defeat of the attacking forces. From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 19, 1858

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images

Orestes Pylades Disputing Altar orestes Altar

Orestes and Pylades Disputing at the Altar orestes and Pylades Disputing at the Altar, The sacrificial battle between Orestes and Pylades. The two friends are on the left of the altar with burning branches. On the left, the executioner waits with a club in his hand. On the right Iphigeneia who recognizes her brother Orestes, a girl throws flowers on the floor at her feet. A large crowd has gathered around the altar, on the left a girl is attaching a flower festoon to the altar. On the right is the statue of Artemis, on a hill in the background a round temple dedicated to Artemis from which a long procession runs down, Orestes and Pylades argue about who is going to be sacrificed, Pieter Lastman, 1614, panel, oil paint (paint), support: h 83.2 cm ? w 126.1 cm d 6.5 cm

© Artokoloro