Omphale 1914

Byam Shaw made Omphale, a small painting, with oil on canvas. I like the juxtaposition of textures; the fur-like cloak with its honeyed hues, and the smooth skin of the figure are brought together in a visually arresting way. The artist wasn't afraid to let the material qualities of the oil paint come forward. Look closely, and you'll see how Shaw used thin, translucent layers of glaze to build up the luminosity of the figure's skin. The circular motifs in the background add depth, as well as highlighting the tension between the flat surface and the illusion of three-dimensional space. The whole composition reminds me of the work of artists like Edward Burne-Jones, and their shared interest in myth and storytelling. Ultimately, this work invites us to contemplate the power dynamics and transformations that are central to the Omphale myth, leaving plenty of room for speculation.