Procris Pierced by Cephalus' Javelin c. 1520 - 1522

Bernardino Luini captured this tragic scene of Procris with oil on wood, immortalizing a moment laden with symbolism. Observe the javelin piercing Procris. This is not merely an instrument of death; it is a symbol of misplaced trust and fatal error. The javelin, meant for the hunt, becomes an emblem of betrayal when her husband Cephalus mistakes her for an animal in the thicket. Think of the arrow in Saint Sebastian's martyrdom - both weapons pierce the body and the soul, embodying physical pain but also the deeper agony of betrayal. This motif echoes through time, from classical myths to Christian iconography, resurfacing in various forms. The pierced heart, whether of Procris or a saint, speaks to our collective memory of suffering, loss, and the cyclical nature of human tragedy. It is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of the fragility of life and the enduring pain of human error.