The artwork titled “Diomedes Being Eaten by his Horses” was created by Gustave Moreau in 1865. Executed in oil on canvas, this painting exemplifies the Symbolism art movement and measures 84.5 x 138.5 cm. It belongs to the genre of mythological painting, representing a vivid scene from ancient mythology.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and chaotic scene where Diomedes is being devoured by his own horses. The setting is dark and foreboding, with a ruined architectural backdrop featuring towering columns and large stone blocks. Dominating the scene are the horses, rendered with intense detail, rearing and biting at Diomedes, whose body is contorted in agony. The use of light and shadow enhances the emotional intensity, casting ominous tones across the scene. The background figures and the scattered remains around the foreground further emphasize the brutality and horror of the mythological event. The intricate detailing and the interplay of light and dark are characteristic of Moreau’s Symbolist style, imbuing the composition with a sense of mystical and tragic grandeur.
