Visual Arts, Columbia University, New York

This course examines ways of looking and ways of seeing, both personally & professionally as artists and in a larger cultural context. Through field trips to contemporary art and other cultural sites, conversations with visiting critical thinkers and practicioners, readings, discussions, and visual & written responses, we will examine how we look, think, act, create and respond--critically questioning our own artistic practices and ways of looking at the world.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Endymion Sarcophagus

Endymion Sarcophagus
I talked about this piece during our Met Marathon run and I'm talking about it again. As I said during the marathon, the sarcophagus portrays the myth of Selene and Endymion in a narrative format, reading left to right. The myth goes that the moon goddess, Selene, fell in love with the shepherd Endymion due to his intense beauty. Because he was mortal, Selene put Endymion into an eternal sleep so that she could forever gaze upon him at night. During these times, such mythologies were used to portray aspects of the deceased's life.

Detail of Endymion Sarcophagus

I suppose knowing the myth is key to appreciating the details of the sarcophagus. In the detail given above, Selene is seen descending from her chariot, her left foot having just touched ground, the shawl catching the wind. She is coming down from the heavens to visit her undying love. This detailing is then being used deliberately to display the intensity of the Selene's love for Endymion, of the deceased's love for whomever they left behind.
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