Alcove with the Daughters of Pelias Assassinating their Father

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

This striking print by Jean Le Pautre captures a dramatic moment from Greek mythology: the daughters of King Pelias, deceived by the sorceress Medea, slaying their father in the mistaken belief that the act would restore his youth. Created between 1658 and 1703, the work reflects the Baroque period’s fascination with theatrical storytelling and emotional intensity. Le Pautre, a French designer renowned for his ornamental engravings, often produced such scenes as decorative designs for alcoves, panels, and interiors, blending narrative power with elegant architectural framing. As a print in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection, this piece highlights the important role of reproductive media in 17th-century France. Le Pautre’s designs circulated widely, influencing furniture, tapestries, and room decorations during the reign of Louis XIV. The work’s purchase by the museum’s Advisory Council underscores its value as both an artistic and historical document of French decorative arts. Though research on the exact medium remains ongoing, the print invites viewers to appreciate how classical myths were reimagined for domestic grandeur in the Baroque era.