Antigone & Ismene
Alfred George Stevens British
Not on view
This small image may be Stevens's first idea for a figural grouping in a mural scheme. It captures the interaction of Antigone and Ismene, daughters of Oedipus who appear in Sophocles play "Antigone" as opposing types. Their differences are brought into focus by the death of their brother Polyneices when their uncle Creon, ruler of Thebes, forbids the body to be retrieved and buried. In response, Ismene urges compliance but Antigone is determined to disobey. Later in the play, Antigone is herself condemned to be buried alive and Ismene offers to share that punishment.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
