The Death of Hyacinthus 1606

Curator: Let’s look at Antonio Tempesta’s "The Death of Hyacinthus," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, that's bleak. The stark contrasts make the scene so immediate, a moment of utter despair caught in monochrome. Curator: Tempesta, who lived from 1555 to 1630, really captures the tragedy of the myth. See how Apollo cradles Hyacinthus, struck down by a stray discus? The detail is extraordinary, especially considering its small size, just a few inches. Editor: The diagonal lines of Hyacinthus' body and the landscape create a sense of instability. It’s a dynamic composition reflecting the chaos of the event. But why include the dogs? Curator: Perhaps to add a layer of mourning, even the animals sense the loss. Tempesta really makes you feel the weight of Apollo’s grief. Editor: It is heavy with sorrow, and yet, there's a strange beauty in the meticulous execution. This tiny image manages to evoke so much.