Monday 28 May 2012

THE STARE

"Clytemnestra"
John Collier, 1882, at Guildhall Art Gallery


Clytemnestra was the wife of Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces which besieged Troy after the abduction of Helen. Before leaving, Agamemnon sacrificed their youngest daughter Iphigenia to ensure a favourable wind for his fleet.
When he returned, with Cassandra, the captured daughter of King Priam of Troy, Clytemnestra murdered them both in revenge.
Collier shows us Clytemnestra with blood-spattered garments, moments after the murder.


Her stare and body language is just beautiful, I can feel the thrill and anger coming out of her.

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