What’s real? What’s illusion? What is the sad-eyed woman trying to say?
This satirical Renaissance scene toys with classical motifs. Framed by Corinthian columns, a sliced watermelon looms enormous in the foreground. An orchard diminishes in size as it rolls into the distance. The woman — perhaps a china figurine — raises a hand as if to say No more, as she holds her pregnant belly.
Stirring thoughts of past and future, destiny and regret, the painting inspired early drafts of my poem, “Perspective Dreaming.”
Originally published in the Fall 2014 issue of Water~Stone Review, “Perspective Dreaming” is included in the collection, Secret Formulas & Techniques of the Masters.
Painting @ Louise Craven Hourrigan (cropped)
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