#robert fowler

'Reason weeps for Guidance'

The Athenide twins remained a popular choice when choosing tragic love stories due to the fact there was little if any scandal regarding the actions of the maidens, thus sparing them the scrutiny of the church which rejected the inmorality of the greek pantheon. Perse was no child-killing Medea and Arsinoe was no treacherous Aegiale or foolish Jocasta. Academics deemed them 'inspired by God' due to their virtue, even comparing them with Mother Mary and St. Catherine.

Here the artist depicts Lady Logikos in a rare moment of unbridled emotion regarding the loss of Eriounios in the challenge for her hand, sealing her fate into spinsterhood. Khrysopteros is surrounded by yellow and orange, marriage colors which seem mocking to her in light of current events. No birds sing nor light shine through the canopies, even the river which leads to her father's kingdom is darkened.

Princess Arsinoe is exposed, feet bare and wedding dress half lying in the ground. She avoids looking up. Head resting upon her knee in the vainest of supplications whilst holding the salicaire gifted by Hermes.