Der Tod des Oedipus (The Death of Oedipus) 1806

This is Franz Hegi's depiction of *The Death of Oedipus*, etched in the early 19th century. Here, we witness Oedipus at his final resting place, surrounded by his grieving daughters. Observe the prominent gesture of mourning—the bent heads and embracing arms—a universal expression of sorrow. This motif echoes through centuries; recall the Pietà, where Mary cradles the deceased Christ, or even ancient sarcophagi depicting scenes of lamentation. The manner in which the daughters of Oedipus cradle him and hide their faces is a typical gesture of grief that we can find repeated in other artworks throughout the centuries. The grief and despair evident in this etching taps into our collective consciousness, resonating with the subconscious recognition of mortality and loss. Such visual language transcends time, echoing through art history and engaging us on a visceral, emotional level. The pathos-laden image is not a static depiction but a recurring echo of human suffering and compassion.