Procris and Cephalus c. 19th century

Curator: This is "Procris and Cephalus" by George Clint, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It captures a tragic moment from Ovid’s "Metamorphoses." Editor: It's like stumbling into a sepia dream, isn't it? The mood is heavy, romantic, and undeniably sad. It's the artistic equivalent of a sigh. Curator: The story goes that Cephalus accidentally kills his beloved Procris with a javelin while hunting. It’s a tale of jealousy, mistaken identity, and ultimately, irreversible consequences. Editor: You can almost feel the finality, can't you? The figures are nestled so intimately, yet there's a distinct sense of separation, of life seeping away into the earth. Curator: Absolutely. The setting within the woods lends itself to exploring the consequences of the characters' actions and their impact within the natural world. Editor: It’s a bit haunting really. The forest feels like it's closing in, mirroring the lovers' doomed fate. A somber and effective illustration of tragic love. Curator: Indeed, and the piece serves as a powerful reminder of the weight of human error, echoing through time.