Orestes and the Furies

Orestes and the Furies – John Singer Sargent, c. 1921
Framed Canvas Reproduction

Immerse yourself in the psychological and symbolic depth of Orestes and the Furies, one of John Singer Sargent’s most dramatic and unconventional works. Created around 1921 as part of his monumental mural cycle The Triumph of Religion for the Boston Public Library, this haunting scene draws on classical mythology to explore the inner torment of guilt, judgment, and the pursuit of moral reckoning.

Rendered in a bold, almost theatrical composition, Sargent’s Orestes is shown writhing in anguish, surrounded by three dark, spectral Furies—female embodiments of vengeance. The palette is shadowed and subdued, with flashes of firelight and violence rendered in deep reds and golds. Unlike his society portraits, this work abandons realism in favor of stylization, symbolism, and mythological gravitas. It’s a gripping departure from his typical oeuvre and stands as one of the most expressive and allegorical paintings of his career.

This museum-quality framed canvas reproduction captures the rich textures, monumental drama, and symbolic power of the original mural panel. Ideal for collectors of mythological art, symbolic storytelling, or mural-inspired works, Orestes and the Furies brings emotional weight and classical resonance into any refined interior.