Tereus Confronted With The Head Of His Son Itylus — History & Facts
In Tereus Confronted With The Head Of His Son Itylus, Peter Paul Rubens presents a dramatic scene filled with intense emotions. The painting features Tereus, a figure from Greek mythology, in a moment of horror as he holds the severed head of his son, Itylus. The colors are rich and vibrant, with deep reds and dark shadows that enhance the emotional weight of the moment.
The figures are rendered with dynamic movement, capturing the tension and tragedy of the narrative. Rubens employs oil on canvas to create this powerful work, which is characteristic of the Baroque style. The dimensions are approximately 150 x 200 cm, allowing for a grand portrayal of the figures and their expressions. The use of chiaroscuro is evident, as light and shadow play across the characters, highlighting their emotional states.
The composition draws the viewer's eye to the central confrontation, emphasizing the drama of the scene. Peter Paul Rubens was a prominent Baroque artist known for his vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. This painting, created in the 1630s, reflects the artist's interest in mythology and human emotion. An interesting fact about this work is that it illustrates a story from Ovid's
More Artworks by Peter Paul Rubens

The Coronation of Henri IV
Peter Paul Rubens

Portrait de Marie de Médicis
Peter Paul Rubens

Apollo and Daphne
Peter Paul Rubens

Anne of Austria, Queen of France
Peter Paul Rubens

Bacchus and Ariadne
Peter Paul Rubens

Christ on the Cross with Maria, Mary Magdalene and St John
Peter Paul Rubens

Equestrian portrait of Charles Colonna, Duke of Marsi
Peter Paul Rubens

Hippomenes and Atalanta
Peter Paul Rubens

Perseus and Andromeda
Peter Paul Rubens

Meleager and Atalanta and the Hunt of the Calydonian Boar
Peter Paul Rubens

