Comparing Oedipus And The Sphinx Painting Differences

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Oedipus and the Sphinx Painting Differences
Two paintings, both depicting the same scene with Oedipus and the Sphinx. Both depict Oedipus answering a riddle on the path to Thebes. The Sphinx that lived along that path stopped travelers and would give them a riddle, If the travelers could not solve the riddle, they would be killed. The paintings, one created by Gustave Moreau and another by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres were created in the same century, but carry many differences. Each painting is based on the same scene, so similarities are there.
The first painting is by Gustave Moreau, and it was painted in 1864. The second painting is the older of the two and it was painted in 1808 by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. The first and second painting show many similarities such as they both show the Sphinx attempting to assert her power over Oedipus. Both paintings are set in a rocky and dangerous area, both have an abundance of bones of those who have failed to solve the riddle. Finally, both show Oedipus holding a weapon, probably because he is …show more content…

Firstly, the painting by Gustave Moreau is set on a cliff whereas the other painting by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres is set in a small and treacherous cave. In Ingres’ painting, the Sphinx is in a small cutout in the cave slightly higher than Oedipus. In the background of the second painting, a man is seen running away looking terrified as Oedipus stares into the Sphinx. The first painting shows the Sphinx with larger wings and darker hair than the second painting. It seems like in Ingres’ painting Oedipus found the Sphinx himself without the Sphinx finding him. He almost has her cornered in the hole the Sphinx was in. Moreau’s painting looks like the Sphinx found Oedipus as he was walking on the road to Thebes. The Sphinx tries to assert power over Oedipus by climbing onto his chest and backing him into the rock wall while staring into Oedipus’

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