Oedipus cursing his son Polynices – Go to Ruin Spurned and Disowned by me.. Henry (Fussli Fuseli (1741-1825)

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a dense, shadowed landscape. A central figure, aged and burdened with visible distress, dominates the foreground. His hands are raised in a gesture that appears both accusatory and protective, as if attempting to ward off or restrain those before him. The lighting emphasizes his face, highlighting deep lines etched by age and sorrow, and conveying an intensity of emotion.
To his right stands a younger man, clad in draped fabric, who seems to be the recipient of the older figure’s forceful gesture. His posture suggests resistance, yet also vulnerability; he appears caught between defiance and despair. The artist has rendered him with a pale complexion, further emphasizing his emotional turmoil.
Two other figures flank this central interaction. One lies prone on the ground, partially obscured by shadow, their face buried in their hands, conveying profound grief or shame. The fourth figure sits nearby, also with their head bowed and hands covering their face, mirroring the posture of the fallen individual and reinforcing a sense of collective suffering.
The background is characterized by dark foliage – palm fronds are discernible – which creates an atmosphere of enclosure and isolation. This backdrop contributes to the feeling that the scene takes place in a secluded, almost primordial setting, amplifying the weight of the emotional drama. The color palette is subdued, dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and muted reds – which further enhance the somber mood.
Subtly, theres an interplay between physical contact and emotional distance. While the older figure’s hands are actively engaged with the younger man, the other figures remain withdrawn, suggesting a complex dynamic of familial conflict and alienation. The prone position of one individual hints at a fall from grace or a moment of utter defeat. Overall, the work explores themes of parental responsibility, rejection, grief, and the destructive consequences of pride and defiance within a family structure.