The artwork “Oedipus Rex,” completed in 1895, is an oil on canvas mythological painting by the esteemed artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Characteristic of the Impressionist movement, it currently resides within a private collection.
This artwork portrays a vivid scene inspired by the classical myth of Oedipus. In the composition, central figures are set against a backdrop that suggests an ancient setting, possibly hinting at the tragic nature of the narrative which it represents. The fluid brushwork and luminosity of the colors are hallmarks of Renoir’s impressionistic technique, capturing the dynamic atmosphere of the depicted moment. Expressive gestures and a sense of immediacy evoke the emotional impact of the myth, and the artist’s signature in the corner confirms the work’s authenticity.