Antigone, Scene II (Death of Antigone)
Print, Chalcography (Intaglio) on heavy woven paper • Attributed to various illustrators specializing in Classical Greek Drama; stylistically consistent with the Neo-Romantic or French Academic illustrators of the early 20th century
Style & Movement
Neo-Classicism mixed with Romanticism; echoes of the Symbolist movement's focus on tragedy and destiny
Medium & Technique
Etching and engraving on paper; utilizes cross-hatching and deep biting to create high-contrast chiaroscuro effects
Creation Period
Modernist adaptation of classical themes, likely mid-20th century (Original plate circa 1930s-1940s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 9 inches (plate mark); Portrait orientation on a rectangular sheet
Subject Description
The scene depicts the tragic climax of Sophocles' Antigone. Creon's son, Haemon, discovers the body of Antigone who has hanged herself in the tomb. The composition shows Haemon embracing her lifeless form under a shaft of dramatic light, symbolizing the tragic end of their bloodline and divine intervention
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair; visible age-toning and paper oxidation consistent with mid-century wood-pulp based papers
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $350 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of a limited edition theater portfolio or a fine art book illustration series; current mounting suggests private collection or secondary market find
Art Historical Significance
Represents the enduring influence of Sophoclean tragedy on Modernist graphic arts. It captures the transition from literal academic rendering to a more emotional, darkness-heavy expressionism found in mid-century book illustration
Notable Features
Heavy use of theatrical spotlighting; specific focus on the musculature of the male figure which denotes a studied appreciation of Greek anatomy; likely part of a narrative series given the compositional focus
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots), yellowing due to acid migration from the backing board, and slight warping of the paper fibers along the edges
Conservation Recommendations
Professional deacidification and removal from current matting; remount using acid-free archival hinges and UV-protective glazing to prevent further fading and brittleness