From Another Angle
Through every small opening in life
From my Instagram
Dear Reader
Something I love about a good statue is how different the story can look from different angles. The most notable of these is Bernini’s statue, The Rape.
From some angles it looks as though the two are dancing, tenderly. That hand on her thigh. It’s one of the most erotic touches I have ever seen in art. But squarely front on? It is a scene of intense savagery!
If the man does not tear her to pieces, his three headed dog, snarling with the excitement of all the violence, will. Hats off to Bernini, he does not play this terrible moment down. Don’t think she went willingly! It is a truly bewitching statue and I feel thankful to have seen it in person, where I got to test the illusion for myself. The statue is a lesson in taking your time to absorb good art. By the way, if you are ever planning a trip to Rome, book your ticket to its home, the Borghese Gallery immediately. The gallery offers a very limited number of tickets - and a good thing too, because that way you can see the art properly - and it sells out its timed sessions well in advance. Book the Borghese before you book your accommodation. It’s that important1. Apart from this Bernini, there is also Caravaggio, Raphael, Correggio, Rubens, and Canova there. Bliss.
This little statue in my garden is a bit like that. I love to stop and look at it. A different story at different times of the day, depending on the shadows and angles. Is she fleeing with her children or just embracing them? Is she grimly stoic or serenely composed? Is it Demeter? She has a bundle of wheat at her feet. And there is no doubt the depiction is a scene of motherhood.
You might know from a previous newsletter of mine that Demeter holds a special place for me as one of the rare stories of a mother with power.
During Hallowe’en, I found myself thinking about the role Hecate, the Goddess of Witchcraft played in Demeter and Persephone’s story. How beautiful the imagery around her, too - a witch wandering at night with her mare and entourage of dogs and dead girls. After Persephone has been abducted, it is Hecate who is stirred by the anguish of Demeter. Demeter is a mother whose rage over patriarchal injustice could destroy the world. Hecate shares her views and she knows how to find lost daughters.
Is it any coincidence that this Goddess of boundaries, who stands at the crossroads and knows how to exist in the ‘between’ and therefore can cross through worlds2, is the one to have held the key to Persephone’s return?
She, who has the power to transform grief into wisdom.
You see, in daylight this garden statue is misleadingly reserved.
October was a difficult month for the world. I couldn’t bring myself to post a newsletter. I needed some time. I had to wait for an opening.
And, sure enough, it comes. Like, this beautiful quote.
Through every small opening in life, through the tiniest, most restricted nerve endings, through rips and tears and tatters life pours.
- Roger McDonald.
So, I am working on another newsletter now and will post properly for November.
In whatever way life pours for you, may it bring you hope.
Thinking of you. Best wishes.
One of the best pieces of advice my therapist has ever given me and now I am sharing it with you. The Borghese.
And so, of course, is also the Goddess of childbirth - who better for that journey?