Eros

Information

Materials Inks on thick deckle Khadi paper
Dimensions Approximately 29 x 41 cm.
This paper is handmade and some variation is expected.
Created Summer 2022.
Prints
This painting is reproduced in 7 signed and numbered archival prints on thick watercolour paper.

Explanation of the symbolism

This rendition of Eros Protogenes follows the composition from a 2nd century Roman marble relief found at Modena. This is variously interpreted as depicting Orphic Eros, Phanes, or the syncretic Aion, but I have chosen to identify this painting as Eros Protogenes, reflecting Péladan's long philosophical explorations of the significance of Eros, and the significance of his essence to Péladan's work. This choice also reflects my desire to highlight figures not often given much focus in modern thought; in Hesiodic myth and pre-Socratic thought, his significance cannot be overstated.

The cosmos encircles the composition in an egg-shaped oval containing the signs of the Zodiac. Behind Eros' head and beneath his feet the two halves of the Cosmic Egg spout flames and endow him with solar attributes. A large crescent moon sits behind him; he is older than them both. The snake encircles him, reflecting the symbolism of Chronos (Time). The three heads erupting from his torso; a goat, a lion, and a ram are the three elements of the ancient Chimera, reflecting his antiquity and universal nature. He holds a rod-sceptre to denote his dominance, and a lightning bolt like that of Zeus to denote his power. His hooved feet, human body, and wings reflect his influence on all planes of existence, from the earthly to the divine. I have chosen abstract symbolism for the four winds in the colours of the halo and the presence of the birds - a deliberate reminder of his interpretation as Phanes, but also creatures of the wing and wind.

The verse at the bottom right is from a surviving fragment by Sappho: "Eros... that bittersweet, irresistible creature..." This links this piece with the portrait of Sappho in this series.

Commissions
If the original has sold, I will not create an identical copy for you, but I am happy to discuss making a fresh piece using slightly different materials. Please contact me at [email protected] with your specifications.