Oedipus and the Sphinx

Oedipus and the Sphinx is a seminal oil on canvas painting created by Gustave Moreau in 1864. This dramatically stylized work cemented Moreau’s reputation at the Paris Salon of 1864, introducing a complex and deeply psychological approach to classical mythology that profoundly influenced the subsequent Symbolist movement. The painting depicts the legendary confrontation between Oedipus, the solitary man, and the monstrous Sphinx, who guards the pass into Thebes, demanding that all travelers answer her enigmatic riddle or face death. This specific treatment of the iconic subject matter, combining detailed academic realism with highly concentrated symbolic intensity, became characteristic of Moreau’s mature style.

Moreau emphasizes the tense, static nature of the encounter, focusing on the visual conflict rather than dynamic action. Oedipus leans stiffly against a rocky precipice, his spear handle providing the only strong vertical line. In stark contrast, the hybrid creature—a woman’s head atop a powerful, winged feline body—clings unnervingly to his chest, fixing him with an intense, hypnotic gaze. The technique reflects the meticulous detailing and rich surface texture favored by Academic painters of the era, though Moreau’s use of lush, saturated color elevates the scene beyond mere classicism.

This iconic canvas, capturing the crucial moment before the resolution of the riddle, established Moreau’s mastery in translating classical texts into modern, internalized drama. Thanks to its cultural importance, high-resolution images and fine art prints of this work are frequently available through public domain art initiatives. The painting resides permanently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection.