This dramatic scene plunges the viewer into a mythological horror where the figure of Diomedes is gruesomely torn apart by his own horses amid the ruins of an ancient architectural setting. The artist masterfully uses chiaroscuro, contrasting the bright, almost luminous white horse in the foreground against the dark, shadowy backdrop of crumbling stone walls and classical columns, evoking a brooding atmosphere. The composition is tightly focused on the violent interaction between man and beast, with the horses' dynamic, contorted forms creating a sense of chaos and power unleashed.

The color palette centers on earthy browns, muted ochres, and deep shadows, punctuated by the stark white of the horse and the pale flesh of Diomedes, intensifying the visceral impact. The emotional tension is palpable—the agony and horror are almost tangible, amplified by the ancient ruins that suggest a tragic fall from glory. This work stands as a striking example of 19th-century Symbolist painting, blending historical myth with an intense psychological drama that invites viewers to confront themes of violence, fate, and divine retribution.