Standbeeld van Antinoüs c. 1851 - 1900

This is an undated photograph of a statue of Antinous, made by an anonymous artist. Antinous was the young lover of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and after his untimely death, he was deified. This image invites us to consider the complexities of identity, desire, and power in the ancient world. The statue, replicated many times over, embodies classical ideals of beauty, but it also represents a deeply personal and intimate relationship between two men. How do we reconcile the public veneration of Antinous with the private grief of Hadrian? The image is staged against a dark background, almost like a constellation of stars, elevating Antinous to a celestial realm. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of how personal stories can be transformed into cultural symbols, and of how love and loss can shape the course of history.