Clytemnestra Four

The fourth painting in the Clytemnestra series, featuring the motif of a double headed axe* and the concept of catharsis related to Greek Tragedy**. Clytemnestra, motivated by revenge, persuaded Agamemnon to walk on and desecrate sacred tapestries*** indicating his pride and leading to his downfall. The painting of the double headed axe has undergone several transformations, at one stage, though perhaps appropriate, it seemed too gorey so the final layer is “bronze” artists’ oil paint. * The double headed axe could be either functional or symbolic, in Clytemnestra’s hands probably both. **The reference is to Clytemnestra in “Agamemnon” by Aeschylus. *** The tapestries might be red or purple according to translation. Oil and acrylic paint on deep canvas.