Echo and Narcissus 

Nicolas Poussin painted "Echo and Narcissus" in the 17th century, capturing a pivotal moment from Ovid’s "Metamorphoses." At its heart is the tragic figure of Narcissus, reclining by the pool, fixated on his reflection, oblivious to the world around him. Note the presence of Cupid, the god of desire, and the torch he carries. Fire has long been associated with passionate love, yet here it illuminates not a celebration, but a scene of desolation. Consider how the motif of unrequited love is reflected in the figure of Echo, who can only repeat the words of others. This symbol of voicelessness echoes across time, resonating in countless artistic depictions of longing and isolation. This obsession with self-image and unattainable desire speaks to the complex human impulses that lie just beneath the surface of consciousness. It reminds us that symbols endure, their meanings evolving and adapting through time, echoing across cultures and generations.