The artwork “Antiochus and Stratonice” was executed by Jacques-Louis David in 1774, demonstrating his proficiency in the Neoclassical style. Created with oil on canvas, this piece measures 120 by 155 centimeters and is housed at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) in Paris, France. Belonging to the genres of mythological and history painting, the artwork is an emblematic representation of Neoclassicism, a movement characterized by a return to classical antiquity’s simplicity, order, and restrained emotion within the arts.
In the artwork, Jacques-Louis David portrays the dramatic and poignant moment from the story of Antiochus and Stratonice, which centers on themes of love and sacrifice. Antiochus, the son of Seleucid Emperor Seleucus I, lies prostrate on a bed, stricken by an apparently unknown ailment. The physician Erasistratus, donning a red cloak, has just discovered that the young man’s illness is due to his hidden love for his stepmother, Stratonice, who stands beside the bed, radiating concern and innocence. The setting is sumptously classical, replete with architectural elements such as columns and arches, which evoke the grandeur of ancient times.
The arrangement of figures and the play of light emphasize the emotional impact of the scene. Stratonice’s gesture, paired with her facial expression, suggests her dawning realization of Antiochus’s feelings, while the elder Seleucus, seen in the background with a crown, appears stoically resigned, hinting at the sacrifice he is prepared to make for his son’s well-being. The group of figures to the right, their varied reactions and expressions, contribute to the narrative depth, underscoring the human drama unfolding before them. David successfully captures both the historical and intimate aspects of this legendary episode, employing a keen sense of composition, emotional resonance, and neoclassical aesthetics.
