The artwork, titled “Phedre” and created by artist Alexandre Cabanel in 1880, is rendered in oil on canvas. It belongs to the Academicism art movement and measures 100.3 by 148.5 centimeters. The genre of this painting is literary painting, and it is housed in the Musée Fabre in Montpellier, France.
This evocative piece depicts the tragic figure of Phedre, drawn from ancient Greek literature. She is portrayed reclining on a lavishly decorated bed, with an expression of deep melancholy and distress. The somber and subdued palette underscores the mood of the scene, reflecting Phedre’s emotional turmoil. The composition includes detailed ornamental furniture and textiles, highlighting the artist’s precision and adherence to academic techniques. Two mournful figures surround Phedre, their postures and expressions contributing to the narrative of grief and despair. The interior setting is rich with classical elements, reinforcing the historical and literary context of the artwork.
