Tereus confronted with the head of his son Itylus by Pierre Paul Rubens

This tragic composition fits forcefully into the theatrical tradition of seventeenth-century mythological painting, magnified by the artist Rubens Pierre Paul. Within this scene of unprecedented psychological violence entitled “Tereus confronted with the head of his son Itylus”, the painter illustrates the terrifying outcome of an implacable female vengeance. This striking masterpiece expresses the maximum dramatic tension at the precise moment when the fatal secret is revealed to the powerless ruler.:::::On the left, the king sitting at the table, wearing a white turban and draped in a rich golden cape, recoils in terror, his face distorted by fear. Before him, two women advance with determination in the darkness of the royal hall. The central woman, with an impressive dorsal musculature and disheveled blonde hair, energetically holds out a silver platter on which rests the severed head of a young child. By her side, her accomplice with bare breasts and holding a scepter supports this vengeful action with a furious look. On the floor, the precious tableware is overturned, while the architecture with massive columns reinforces the oppressive and fatal atmosphere of this drama.:::::The creation bears witness to the unmatched virtuosity of the Flemish master in capturing the extreme emotions and physical dynamism of his characters. His technique of oil painting offers a sumptuous rendering of the metallic reflections of goldsmithing and the softness of the drapery. The focused lighting intensely dramatizes this mythological vengeance.