Phaedra and Hippolytus 1802

Pierre-Narcisse Guerin painted Phaedra and Hippolytus, in France, during a period dominated by Neoclassicism. It depicts a scene from Greek mythology, a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and death. Hippolytus is banished by his father, Theseus, based on false accusations made by his stepmother, Phaedra. Guerin masterfully employs visual codes to convey the drama, drawing inspiration from classical sources. The architecture, clothing, and weaponry are all rendered in meticulous detail, reflecting the values of the Academy. The setting evokes the grandeur and moral gravity of ancient Greece. This would have appealed to a society seeking stability after the French Revolution. The narrative power of the image, and the clarity of its message are testament to the ongoing role of institutions in shaping artistic taste. By studying the history of the Academy we can better appreciate how artists like Guerin responded to the social and political pressures of their time.