Ismene and Antogone Plead with Theseus 1790s

Nicolai Abildgaard's "Ismene and Antogone Plead with Theseus" (1790s) depicts a poignant scene from Greek mythology. The sisters Ismene and Antigone, kneeling in supplication, implore the hero Theseus to intervene in their brother's fate. The painting captures the sisters' desperation and highlights Theseus's role as a figure of justice and hope. Abildgaard's neoclassical style, evident in the balanced composition and idealized figures, reflects the artistic trends of the late 18th century. This work showcases the artist's mastery of detail, evident in the figures' expressions and the rich textures of their garments. This oil on canvas painting, now housed in the SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst, is a powerful testament to the enduring themes of family, fate, and justice found in Greek myth.