Engraving Oedipus explains the enigma of the sphinx - Ingres

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who was awarded the Prix de Rome in 1801, stayed in Italy until 1824. Painter with ancient references for whom drawing took precedence over colour, J. A.D. Ingres excelled in nudes, portraits and history painting.

The theme here illustrates a key episode in the history...

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who was awarded the Prix de Rome in 1801, stayed in Italy until 1824. Painter with ancient references for whom drawing took precedence over colour, J.A.D. Ingres excelled in nudes, portraits and history painting.

The theme here illustrates a key episode in the history of the kings of ancient Greece: Oedipus' answer to the question of the sphinx:
"Which animal has four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon and three in the evening? "

The answer given by the son of the king of Thebes was:
"The man, who drags himself on his feet as a child, walks upright as an adult and needs a stick in his old age.

Satisfied by this good answer, the sphinx did not devour Oedipus and let him go freely.