Medea about to Kill her Children Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863)

This painting depicts a harrowing scene of Medea, a sorceress from Greek mythology, holding her two young sons. She is positioned in a shadowy, cave-like setting, lit dramatically from the left, with a glimpse of a blue sky and rocky cliffs in the background. Medea is depicted with a powerful, muscular physique and a stern, determined expression, her head turned to the side as if steeling herself for a terrible task or looking towards a distant point of torment.

She clutches one son tightly to her chest, while the other is positioned in front of her, his back towards the viewer. Medeas right hand holds a gleaming sword, its blade pointed downwards and held possessively over the second child, hinting at her imminent infanticide. The children, rendered with pale, vulnerable skin, appear distressed, with the one held closer exhibiting a grimace of fear or pain. Their bodies are partially draped in pink and red fabrics, contrasting with Medeas dark, flowing robe and emphasizing their innocence.

The subtexts of this painting are deeply rooted in the myth of Medea and explore themes of revenge, betrayal, madness, and the tragic consequences of overwhelming passion.

• Revenge and Betrayal: Medeas act of killing her children is a direct response to her husband Jasons betrayal and abandonment of her for the princess of Corinth. The painting captures the raw, destructive power of her wrath, driven by a desire to inflict the ultimate pain on Jason by destroying what he holds dearest.
• Madness and Desperation: Medeas actions are often interpreted as being fueled by a descent into madness or an overwhelming sense of despair. Her intense gaze and the violent act she is about to commit suggest a woman pushed beyond the limits of human endurance, choosing a horrific path to assert her agency.
• The Sacrifice of Innocence: A particularly poignant and disturbing aspect is Medeas willingness to sacrifice her own children. The painting highlights the tragic loss of innocent life in the face of adult conflict and vengeance. The vulnerability of the children juxtaposed with Medeas formidable presence underscores the devastating outcome of her rage.
• Feminine Rage and Power: Medea, a powerful sorceress, is an icon of feminine power and fury. The painting depicts her as an imposing figure, not a weak victim but a force capable of enacting terrible retribution, albeit in a monstrous manner. The subtext could also suggest the destructive potential of unchecked emotions and the consequences of societal injustice against women.
• Nature and Isolation: The dark, rugged landscape and cave setting can symbolize Medeas emotional isolation and the savage, primal nature of her revenge. The starkness of the environment mirrors the bleakness of her situation and the grimness of her intended actions.