Theseus and Ariadne 1914

Lovis Corinth rendered this striking etching of "Theseus and Ariadne", capturing a pivotal moment from Greek mythology. The anguished expression of Ariadne resonates deeply, echoing the universal pain of abandonment. Consider the motif of the abandoned woman, a powerful symbol recurring throughout art history. We see echoes in the desolate figures of nymphs in classical sculptures, their poses mirroring Ariadne's despair, each embodying a profound sense of loss. The raised arms of the figure behind Theseus express fury, and are gestures reminiscent of ancient depictions of maenads or furies. Through the ages, these gestures and symbols persist, evolving yet retaining their capacity to evoke raw emotion. They tap into our collective unconscious, reminding us of the timeless human experiences of love, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of fate.