The Metamorphosis Of Narcissus
This painting and others by Salvador Dali really interest me. I often spend time just looking at them trying to unravel the layers of meaning that Dali has expertly hidden in his works of art.
This painting tells the story of Narcissus, a Greek hunter. He was so beautiful that he scorned all that loved him. As a punishment the Greek gods punished him by making him fall in love with his own reflection. He was unable to look away for his attraction was so great. Narcissus died from thirst and hunger.
This story tells us that if are too wrapped up in ourselves, spend every waking hour worrying about our appearances life will pass us by silently.
In the painting there is a figure sitting in the water, I believe this to be Narcissus. The statue next to the figure is identical in shape. I think this shows because of vanity Narcissus has changed into a lifeless piece of art. But not in a good way. I think that the flower growing on the statue shows that it is derelict, disfavoured and forgotten. Vanity is useless to this world. In the background you can see lots of vain models admiring themselves. Although they are in a group they stand alone. The dog in the foreground is there to show us that we are mortal, just a piece of meat.
We should not be wasting our lives on our appearances.
