Alcyone’s Farewell to her Husband. From Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Song XI (1813)

"Alcyone's Farewell to her Husband" is an evocative painting by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, painted in 1813. This art piece is inspired by the poignant story from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, where Alcyone bemoans the departure of her husband, Ceyx, who is destined never to return.In this beautifully detailed composition, the character of Alcyone is portrayed with striking realism and emotional depth. She is shown reclining on a stone ledge, her body draped in flowing robes of white and pink, a visual symbol of her delicate sorrow and graceful acceptance. Her gesture—outstretched arms and a turned face—captures the moment of desperate farewell, imbuing the scene with a tangible sense of despair and longing.The background reveals a serene yet distant landscape, a merging of sea and sky that hints at the vast and perilous journey that lies ahead for her husband. This setting not only amplifies the drama of the separation but also underscores the loneliness and isolation Alcyone must feel as she gazes out towards the horizon.Eckersberg's masterful use of light enhances the overall emotional impact, casting a soft, ethereal glow on Alcyone, making her appear almost otherworldly in her sorrow. This illumination contrasts with the darker, more muted tones of the sky and sea, further emphasizing her isolation and despair.