Antigone Gives Token Burial to the Body of Her Brother Polynices 1835 - 1898

This watercolor painting by Jules-Eugène Lenepveu depicts the Greek mythological figure Antigone performing a symbolic burial for her brother Polynices, who was killed in battle. The scene takes place outdoors, with a distant city skyline and a group of soldiers in the background, suggesting a dramatic and somber setting. The artwork, created between 1835 and 1898, now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It captures a poignant moment from the tragic play "Antigone" by Sophocles, where Antigone defies the king's order to leave her brother's body unburied, demonstrating her unwavering loyalty and defiance.