Rupert Bunny
Untitled [Oedipus and the Sphinx]
Rupert Bunny’s Untitled [Oedipus and the Sphinx], painted around 1920, captures a pivotal moment from Greek mythology when Oedipus confronts the Sphinx and solves her riddle, leading to her destruction. The painting depicts Oedipus as a dynamic, powerful figure, emphasising physicality and energy, in contrast to earlier, more passive representations of the hero. Influenced by the Ballets Russes, Bunny incorporates dramatic movement, vibrant colours, and strong diagonals, marking a shift from his previous works, which often featured more restrained, elegant forms. The Sphinx (with the head of a woman, with the body of a lion and wings) rearing back in surprise, is portrayed not as a threatening and enigmatic figure, but as a defeated and vulnerable creature, highlighting Oedipus’ intellectual victory. Bunny’s choice to focus on the physical intensity of the moment aligns with the broader modernist interest in movement, expression, and heroism. The painting reflects both Bunny’s personal evolution and the influence of contemporary European artistic currents during the early 20th century.
- Artist / Maker
- Rupert Bunny (1864—1947) [Australian]
- Subjects
- Art and Design - Paintings
- Materials used
- oil on canvas
- Dimensions
(H x W x D) - sight 100 x 100 cm frame 120 x 120 cm
- Credit line
- The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Purchased, 1960
- Accession number
- 1960.0009.000.000
- Copyright
- Public domain. For image enquiries contact the Museums and Collections Department, Potter Museum of Art. Request Access
