“Orestes Pursued by the Furies,” crafted by the renowned artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau circa 1862, is a mythological painting rendered in oil on canvas. This neoclassical masterpiece, measuring 278 x 227 cm, is housed in the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
The artwork vividly portrays the intense mythological moment when Orestes, the central figure, is tormented by the Furies. His expression is one of sheer agony, and his posture suggests a desperate attempt to escape their relentless pursuit. The Furies, depicted as fierce and vengeful entities, surround Orestes, with one brandishing a torch and another pointing accusatorily, emphasizing their role as agents of divine retribution. The dramatic lighting and dynamic composition accentuate the emotional turmoil and tension within the scene. The use of rich, dark tones and intricate details in the figures’ forms exemplifies Bouguereau’s mastery in conveying both physical and psychological depth. The artwork, true to the Neoclassical movement, revives classical themes with precision and emotional intensity, creating a compelling narrative grounded in ancient mythology.
