Capaneus – Study called The Blasphemic 

Editor: This is "Capaneus – Study called The Blasphemic" by Anne-Louis Girodet. I can't tell when it was created, but it’s oil on canvas. It looks intense and tormented... What's your interpretation of it? Curator: Ah, Capaneus! A figure spitting defiance at the gods, even as Zeus barbecues him with a thunderbolt. Romantic, isn’t it? More than that, though. Think of Girodet grappling with Neoclassicism's straightjacket, yearning to paint something volcanic. This painting isn't just illustration; it’s visceral, like a primal scream painted in ochre and umber. Editor: So, it's the artist expressing himself? It's definitely…raw. Curator: Precisely. Girodet's brushstrokes aren't just depicting Capaneus's agony; they're practically channeling it! Imagine him, eyes wide, furious, smearing pigment with wild abandon. The way he highlights Capaneus' strained muscles and bares his teeth—is that a snarl of defiance, or a grimace of pain? Do you think Girodet’s using Capaneus to explore something within himself, some internal struggle? Editor: That's a cool way to look at it. I guess, you can see him railing against... something. What stands out to me is this isn't as clean or ideal as other paintings we've seen. Curator: Right! It is the Romantics ditching polish and poise, and daring to get their hands dirty! This isn't just myth; it’s human experience amplified. Did this help to make sense of his aim? Editor: Definitely! It's like Girodet is telling us to embrace the ugly bits. Thanks.