Hermione Rejecting Orestes c. 1799

Anne-Louis Girodet's drawing, "Hermione Rejecting Orestes," presents a stark emotional tableau rendered with precise linearity. The composition is structured around the stark figures against the barest suggestion of a background, directing all attention to the drama unfolding. Orestes, the central figure, is almost collapsing into a chair, emphasizing her emotional turmoil. Notice how Hermione's pose—arms outstretched, body recoiling—creates a visual barrier, underscoring her rejection. The lines are sharp, defining the musculature and contours, giving each figure a sculptural presence, while the minimal shading lends an almost ghostly quality to the scene. The composition highlights a moment of intense psychological confrontation. Here, Girodet employs a neoclassical style not merely to depict a classical subject but to explore the profound psychological depths of his characters. The rejection is not just a plot point but a representation of the characters' internal conflicts. The piece destabilizes traditional heroic narratives by focusing on the raw, internal suffering of its characters.