Dimensions: height 183 mm, width 128 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is a photograph of a sculpture, likely made of marble, depicting Cephalus and Procris which was exhibited in London in 1851. The tender embrace, charged with an undercurrent of sorrow, speaks to universal themes of love and loss that have echoed through art history. Consider how the motif of the embrace, the intertwining of figures, recurs from ancient Greek pottery to Renaissance paintings. It signals intimacy, yet also vulnerability. Here, Procris reclines, seemingly lifeless, as Cephalus cradles her. Think of similar poses in depictions of the Pietà, where Mary holds the deceased Christ. The emotional resonance is profound, tapping into our collective memory of grief and compassion. The tragic tale of Cephalus and Procris, rooted in jealousy and misunderstanding, finds visual form in this poignant tableau. It's a reminder that emotions transcend time, engaging viewers on a deeply subconscious level. Just as symbols evolve, so do our interpretations, shaped by our own experiences and cultural context.
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