Antigone & Ismene

Alfred George Stevens

1833–75 · Black chalk on thin sheet of paper, pasted down · Drawings and Prints

This small image may be Stevens's first idea for a figural grouping in a mural scheme. It captures the interaction of Antigone and Ismene, daughters of Oedipus who appear in Sophocles play "Antigone" as opposing types. Their differences are brought into focus by the death of their brother Polyneices when their uncle Creon, ruler of Thebes, forbids the body to be retrieved and buried. In response, Ismene urges compliance but Antigone is determined to disobey. Later in the play, Antigone is herself condemned to be buried alive and Ismene offers to share that punishment.

Artist

Alfred George Stevens

Date

1833–75

Medium

Black chalk on thin sheet of paper, pasted down

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Bequest of Harvey Salzman, 2022