Ruth Leon recommends… Narcissus – National Gallery 

Narcissus – National Gallery 
​This is a particularly compelling disquisition on the myth and image of Narcissus from writer, academic, and self-proclaimed Drag King, Holly James Johnston.

In the Roman poet Ovid’s version of the Narcissus myth, Narcissus’s mother is told in a prophecy that Narcissus will reach old age, so long as he never recognises himself. He grows up to be a beautiful young man, admired by men and women alike.

One day, during a hunt, Narcissus grows thirsty and finds a stream to quench his thirst. As he leans down, however, he becomes utterly bewitched by his own reflection. His most notable admirer, the nymph Echo, is often depicted in art looking wistfully at Narcissus, who looks even more wistfully at his own reflection. Unable to tear himself away from the sight of himself, Narcissus eventually withers and dies, and a narcissus, or daffodil, is found in place of his body.

The Narcissus myth is most often interpreted as a cautionary tale against the perils of self-obsession – the pool of water serving as a metaphor for the mirror, and with it, the dangers of vanity and excessive self-involvement. This interpretation has since been reinforced by the term ‘narcissism’, which, coined in the late 19th century and popularised by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, derives its name from the Narcissus myth.

Narcissus’s tale of tragic beauty and forbidden desire has long inspired artists. Through images from the Renaissance to today, she/he/they explore how the myth has particularly resonated with queer artistic and literary circles.

Forget the pronouns, listen to what she/he/they has to say. Lots of interesting stuff, none of which I knew before.

Read more