Polymestor vermoordt Polydorus 1606 - 1638

Antonio Tempesta etched this print of Polymestor murdering Polydorus, capturing a moment of betrayal and violence. The symbols here are potent: the crown, typically a sign of noble authority, is defiled by Polymestor’s treacherous act. The sword, an ancient emblem of power and justice, becomes an instrument of deceit. Consider how similar motifs appear across time. The image of a fallen king, betrayed for greed, echoes in countless works, from Shakespeare’s tragedies to Renaissance paintings. The gesture of raised arms in desperate appeal, as Polydorus is being murdered, resurfaces repeatedly in scenes of martyrdom and suffering. It’s as though humanity is bound to re-enact these primal scenes, each generation grappling anew with the trauma of betrayal and the allure of greed. This image, steeped in classical imagery, taps into the enduring human psyche. The power of such representations lies in their ability to evoke not just historical narratives, but also deep-seated emotional responses and primal fears.