Tereus Confronted With The Head Of His Son Itylus 1636 - 1638

Here, Rubens captures a gruesome scene from classical myth with oil on canvas. The severed head of a child is the focal point of the image, a symbol of unspeakable maternal grief and vengeance. It echoes the head of Medusa, often depicted in classical art, as a potent emblem of horror and transformation. Note Tereus’s raised hand, a gesture of shock, observed throughout art history to symbolize the moment of realization. It reminds us of the 'epiphany' motif, which can be seen in religious paintings from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The raw, unfiltered emotionality of the scene engages our deep, subconscious understanding of human suffering and morality. Thus, Rubens revives this ancient drama, reminding us that such primal passions and acts of retribution continue to permeate human experience, resurfacing across eras.