The artwork titled “Orestes Pursued by the Furies” was created by John Singer Sargent in 1921. This oil on canvas piece is associated with the Neoclassicism art movement and belongs to the genre of mythological painting.
In the artwork, one can observe a dynamic and intense scene depicting Orestes, a character from Greek mythology, being relentlessly pursued by the Furies. The composition is infused with a dramatic tension, with the central figure of Orestes portrayed in a state of distress and motion, seemingly fleeing from the vengeful and terrifying Furies who surround him. The Furies, characterized by their menacing expressions and serpentine hair, convey a sense of wrath and inevitability. The background features a striking red color that enhances the scene’s sense of urgency and turmoil. The detailing and movement illustrated within the figures reflect Sargent’s technical mastery and interpretative skill, producing a visually gripping depiction of this mythological narrative.
