Scylla 1805

Curator: This line drawing, "Scylla" by John Flaxman, captures a moment of terrifying mythological drama. The dimensions of the image are 172 x 290 mm and it's held in the Tate Collections. Editor: It feels both chaotic and precise. The stark lines amplify the horror – the monster's writhing form and the ship’s vulnerability. Curator: Absolutely. Flaxman employs a Neoclassical style, emphasizing line and form over color, creating a sense of clarity and order, even amidst the chaos. Note how the repetition of circular forms--the coils, the waves--contributes to the visual rhythm. Editor: Scylla, in mythology, represents the dangers lurking beneath the surface. Her multiple heads symbolize internal conflict and the insatiable hunger that drives her actions. The ship, a symbol of civilization, is utterly at her mercy. Curator: And the way Flaxman renders the figures – the idealized, almost sculptural form of Scylla contrasted with the tiny, panicked figures on the ship – establishes a clear power dynamic. Editor: Flaxman really captures a primal fear – the sense of being overwhelmed by forces beyond our control. This image serves as a reminder of the precariousness of human existence, doesn't it? Curator: It's a chillingly elegant piece that speaks volumes through its restrained lines. Editor: A stark reminder that even beauty can conceal monstrous truths.