Hypatia's Empty Curricle. Illustration from a 1914 Edition of Charles Kingsley's 1853 Novel Hypatia 1914

"Hypatia's Empty Curricle," a 1914 illustration by Byam Shaw, depicts a dramatic scene from Charles Kingsley's 1853 novel "Hypatia." The illustration, rendered in black and white, showcases a two-horse chariot, the curricle, standing alone in an empty street. The horses are depicted in a state of agitation, their heads held high, suggesting a sense of urgency and loss. The empty curricle, a symbol of Hypatia's absence, creates a powerful visual metaphor for the tragic fate of this influential philosopher. Shaw's detailed line work brings to life the atmospheric setting, enhancing the narrative power of the image.