# Alcestis Sacrifices Herself for Admetus [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [FÜGER, Friedrich Heinrich]() - Date: 1751-1800 - Technique: Oil on canvas, 194 x 139 cm ## Commentary This Neoclassical scene is based on the Athenian tragedy by Euripides. The ancient Greek playwright tells how Alcestis, a paragon of conjugal love, consented to take the place of her husband, King Admetus, when he was about to die. In the painting Admetus lies on his deathbed, and Alcestis, in a statuesque pose, discloses her intention to sacrifice herself for Admetus to the dismay of all assembled. ## Related artworks - [Bathsheba at the Bath]() - [Catherine of Alexandria before the Emperor Maxentius]() - [Miniature of the Artist's Father]() - [Miniature of the Artist's Mother]() - [Portrait of Frederick Charles Joseph, Baron von Erthal]() - [Portrait of János Batsányi]() - [Portrait of the Artist's Son]() - [Study for Two Female Figures Praying]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()