Narcissus (?) with three dogs 1570 - 1650

Giuseppe Agellio sketched this possible depiction of Narcissus with three dogs in pen and brown ink on paper. Narcissus is shown here gazing into a pool, captivated by his reflection. This motif of self-obsession echoes through time, from Ovid's tales to Caravaggio's canvases. Yet, observe the dogs. They are unusual companions for Narcissus, who is more commonly associated with the water nymph Echo and the flower that sprouts where he dies. Could they allude to fidelity, loyalty, or perhaps a yearning for connection that Narcissus, lost in self-admiration, fails to achieve? The surface of the water becomes a mirror, reflecting both outward beauty and inner turmoil. It’s a potent image that resonates even today, in our age of selfies and social media, inviting us to consider the dangers of vanity and the importance of genuine connection. These themes, like ancient symbols, reappear, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human experience.