The death of Hyacinth has been represented several times throughout the history of art. This image draws particular inspiration from the 1610 painting of the same name attributed to Cecco del Caravaggio (Francesco Boneri).
In Greek mythology, both the god Apollo and the god Zephyrus (the god of the spring west wind) fell in love with Hyacinth. While Apollo was throwing the discus to train Hyacinth for the Olympic Games, the discus was diverted by a gust of wind raised by the jealous Zephyrus, fatally striking Hyacinth on the temple. Helpless against fate, Apollo then transformed Hyacinth into a flower that blooms again every spring when the west wind blows. In ancient Greece, blue was the color associated with Apollo.
The image is a self-portrait in the role of Apollo, together with the painter Américo de Carvalho e Sousa in the role of Hyacinth.
Aspect Ratio 1.25:1
