Frontispiece for Athalie, Act V, Scene VI, from Racine's Oeuvres c. 1760 - 1767

Jean Jacques Flipart created this frontispiece for Act V, Scene VI of Racine's "Athalie" using etching and engraving techniques. The scene is dominated by a stark contrast between light and shadow, creating a dramatic and emotionally charged atmosphere. Flipart masterfully employs line and texture to define forms and surfaces, setting the stage within an implied architectural space. The composition reflects a moment of intense conflict. Athalie is violently apprehended by soldiers, while a group of figures on the right express a mix of shock and judgment. The linear precision and calculated arrangement of figures and space suggest a structured order. Yet, the raw emotion conveyed through gesture and facial expression hints at an underlying tension. Flipart uses these formal elements to explore themes of power, justice, and the clash between human will and divine order. In this way, the artwork becomes a meditation on the aesthetic and philosophical values of the Neoclassical period.