The Riddle of the Sphinx: Oedipus’ Triumph
Gustave Moreau’s painting “Oedipus and the Sphinx” portrays a significant moment in Greek mythology, where Oedipus confronts the enigmatic Sphinx and successfully solves her riddle. This article examines the key elements of this artistic masterpiece and explores the profound symbolism and impact of the story.
The Encounter at the Crossroads
At the crossroads between Thebes and Delphi, Oedipus encounters the Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. The Sphinx presents Oedipus with a riddle that he must answer correctly in order to proceed on his journey.
The Riddle and Oedipus’ Response
The Sphinx poses the riddle: “What walks on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three at night?” Oedipus carefully contemplates the question and delivers his insightful answer. He states that man walks on four feet as an infant, two feet as an adult, and three feet with a walking stick in old age.
The Sphinx’s Astounding Revelation
Oedipus’ response to the riddle astounds the Sphinx, who is unable to comprehend the depth of his wisdom. Overwhelmed by Oedipus’ insight, the Sphinx is struck with a profound revelation and chooses to end her own life by throwing herself into the sea.
Oedipus’ Triumph and Liberation
Oedipus’ victory over the Sphinx marks a turning point in his life. Not only does he secure the freedom of the Thebans from the Sphinx’s reign of terror, but he also claims the kingdom of Thebes for himself. This triumph becomes the catalyst for his future actions and ultimately leads to his tragic fate.
Moreau’s Artistic Interpretation
Gustave Moreau’s painting of “Oedipus and the Sphinx” was first exhibited at the French Salon of 1864 and immediately captured the attention of viewers. Moreau deliberately deviated from the prevailing realism and naturalism of the time, opting for a deliberately archaic painting style and mythological subject matter.
The Ambiguous Gaze and Symbolism
In Moreau’s artwork, the intense gaze shared between Oedipus and the Sphinx becomes a pivotal element. This characteristic feature suggests an ambiguous mirror-image and a confrontation between two entities that recognize each other on a profound level. The painting’s symbolism invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the enigmatic forces that shape our destinies.
Conclusion
Gustave Moreau’s painting “Oedipus and the Sphinx” encapsulates the timeless tale of Oedipus’ triumph over the Sphinx’s riddle. Through his artistic interpretation, Moreau captures the essence of this mythological encounter and delves into the depths of human nature, leaving viewers captivated by the enigmatic nature of the story.
Sources
- Wikipedia. “Oedipus and the Sphinx.” Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oedipus_and_the_Sphinx
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Gustave Moreau | Oedipus and the Sphinx.” Retrieved from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/437153
- The Eclectic Light Company. “The Psychology of the Riddle: Oedipus and the Sphinx.” Retrieved from https://eclecticlight.co/2017/05/28/the-psychology-of-the-riddle-oedipus-and-the-sphinx/
FAQs
The Riddle of the Sphinx: Oedipus’ Triumph
What is the story behind Gustave Moreau’s painting “Oedipus and the Sphinx”?
Gustave Moreau’s painting “Oedipus and the Sphinx” portrays the encounter between Oedipus and the Sphinx at the crossroads on his journey between Thebes and Delphi. Oedipus must solve the Sphinx’s riddle to proceed on his journey.
What is the riddle posed by the Sphinx in the Oedipus myth?
The Sphinx’s riddle is: “What walks on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three at night?”
How does Oedipus answer the Sphinx’s riddle?
Oedipus answers the riddle by stating that man walks on four feet as an infant, two feet as an adult, and three feet with a walking stick in old age.
What happens after Oedipus answers the riddle correctly?
The Sphinx is astounded by Oedipus’ answer and inexplicably takes her own life by throwing herself into the sea.
What does Oedipus’ victory over the Sphinx grant him?
Oedipus’ victory over the Sphinx grants him the freedom of the Thebans, the kingdom of Thebes, and Jocasta as his wife, who is later revealed to be his mother.
When was Gustave Moreau’s painting “Oedipus and the Sphinx” first exhibited?
Gustave Moreau’s painting “Oedipus and the Sphinx” was first exhibited at the French Salon of 1864.
How does Moreau’s painting deviate from the artistic trends of the time?
Moreau’s painting deviates from the prevailing realism and naturalism of the mid-nineteenth century. He adopts a deliberately archaic painting style and explores mythological subject matter.
What is the significance of the intense gaze shared between Oedipus and the Sphinx in Moreau’s painting?
The intense gaze shared between Oedipus and the Sphinx is characteristic of Moreau’s style. It suggests an ambiguous mirror-image and a confrontation between two entities that recognize each other on a profound level.