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In the Greek-style painting, Oedipus at Colonus, there are four figures that play the main
subject. Starting from the left, a young soldier, a young woman, an elderly man, and another
young lady. The setting is set outside next to giant columns that may be a clue for a
residence. In the background, there is a group of mountains along with grassy plains that
seem to be cut short by a territorial wall that perhaps surrounds the city. It seems
to me that a young man is leaving home to fight for his country by the protective and
expressive theme of his attire. To back up this theory, the artist portrays a heart broken
connection between the four subjects by sadden gestures and expressions. Clearly the elderly
man is reaching out for his son and at the same time held down by what looks to be his
daughter as she gazes at him with deep remorse. In the far back there is a horse and a gentleman
waiting, to me they're waiting for the boy to say goodbye so they can head to camp. The
artist gives pretty detailed hints to the audience if you pay attention. During this
time period, I think any viewer would understand the painting right off the bat due to the
fact that sending a family member off to battle was the norm and sometimes a must. Based off
the message of this artwork I feel sorry and relieved at the same time. For one, because
the family loses a big piece of their unit during times like those, as you can see the
father empty and hopeless for the future. Now days its choice or a tradition, specially
if you're the only boy you cant get into an army branch because you have to carry your
family's name unlike the painting. This is a fantastic piece due to the colors, light
and dark contrast, and the message it carries. After really investigating this piece, I will
definitely look at works more in depth and decode any mystery the artist may have kept
in the shade. In conclusion, I learned I was somewhat right about my interpretation but
then again the painting can go both ways. For instance, "begone, abhorred, disowned,
no son of mine, thou vilest of the vile! And take with thee this curse I leave thee as
my last bequest." On that note, stating that the father Oedipus, wants his son gone from
wherever they are and not to return. However, I feel you cant be one minded when looking
at an artwork. You have to explore different possibilities, keep the mind guessing and
only then should the answer reveal itself. Rather right or wrong, I feel you obtain more
knowledge the more you get involved in the unpredictable world of art and soon enough
meanings become quite clear.