Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Medea Slaying her Children
c. 1761
Although he is considered a Rococo artist, in this unusual drawing Fragonard shows his interest in Neoclassical themes and composition. Restrained by the Angel of Mercy, Medea prepares to murder her children. She is spurred to madness by the rattling of Folly's sceptre, while in the background, Reason and Virtue take flight.
Artist
Title
Medea Slaying her Children
Date
c. 1761
Medium
Drawing
Materials
black chalk on laid paper, mounted on laid paperDimensions
21.1 x 24.8 cm
Nationality
French
Credit line
Gift of the Royal Trust Company, Montreal, 1962
Accession number
9843
