"Endymion Before Selene" (2025-26) Oil on canvas. 66"x44"
 
In ancient Greek Mythology, Endymion was the most beautiful man in the world. He was a shepherd, and fell asleep in the field one day, causing the moon goddess, Selene, to see him and fall in love. She realized that his life and his beauty would disappear since he was mortal, so Selene begged Zeus to give Endymion immortality. As a result, Zeus made it so Endymion would stay beautiful and young, but he was asleep forever. Due to the symbolism of an eternal sleep, this story would often be depicted on Sarcophagi and other funerary art. Painting, much like Selene, aims to preserve beauty in the face of death.
 
In my painting, Endymion is still awake, yet the setting and title imply he is about to succumb to an eternal sleep. The sun is setting, turning the sky purple. Shadows of cyprus trees frame the figure, long a symbol of death in western art history. Magnolias, a symbol of love, flower on the other side of a Roman style balustrade. A Roman sarcophagus from the Met that depicts the story of Endymion and Selene is used a bench for the male figure to sit upon. The viewer takes up the POV of Selene, taking pleasure in Endymion's beauty before causing him eternal sleep. If we are the moon, he is the star. 
 
On demand prints are available upon request.