1Oedipus the King

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on December 4, 2014 at 3:12pm

Curator’s Comments:

 

Oedipus the King is a rather surprising painting, with elements of painterly expression, representation and fantasy.  The plush overstuffed chair creates an enveloping and inviting domestic space.  The jewel tones, decorative motif on the pillow and studded upholstery all add an air of upscale luxury if not elaboration of artifice.  The reflective red light across the seat and arm of the chair hints at the supernatural figure in the foreground.  Part-devil, part mythos, he captivates the viewer with his animated stance and flaming color.  His scale is slightly humorous, suggesting human vices such as desire and jealously and can unwittingly sneak up on us in our everyday lives.