A piano duet for four hands.

The sketches that form the basis of Six Epigraphs Antiques were written in 1900 as incidental music to accompany readings of Chansons de Bilitis, a poetry collection by Debussy's friend Pierre Louÿs (1870–1925). It was originally for flute, celesta, and harp, but this version was not performed. In 1914, during World War I, it was completed as a piano duet to contribute to his homeland, France. This piece was later orchestrated by the conductor Ernest Ansermet.

The work embodies Debussy's deep yearning for ancient Greece. Through his mature technique, the poetic world indicated by each of the six titles is depicted in a tone-painting style.

• 1. To Invoke Pan, God of the Summer Wind / "Pour invoquer Pan, dieu du vent d'ete"
• 2. For an Anonymous Tomb / "Pour un tombeau sans nom"
• 3. So That the Night May Be Propitious / "Pour que la nuit soit propice"
• 4. For the Dancer with Castanets / "Pour la danseuse aux crotales"
• 5. For the Egyptian Woman / "Pour l'Egyptienne"
• 6. To Thank the Morning Rain / "Pour remercier la pluie au matin"