
Dirce, c.1897
Oil on canvas
Height: 263 cm (103.5″); Width: 530 cm (17.3 ft)
National Museum in Warsaw
Dirce was a daughter of the river-gods Achelous or Ismenus, or of Helios.
After Zeus impregnated Antiope, Antiope fled in shame to King Epopeus of Sicyon, but was brought back by Lycus through force, giving birth to the twins Amphion and Zethus on the way. Lycus gave Antiope to Dirce. Dirce hated Antiope and treated her cruelly, until Antiope, in time, escaped…