Oil on canvas; Private collection
The woman to the far left is Courage. She leans forward with urgency and intensely watches the battle, which we cannot see. She holds a knife in her right hand, the weapon with which she plans to defend herself.
Around her neck, she wears a necklace made of scallop shells. In Greek mythology, scallop shells were associated with Aphrodite; the goddess was born of the sea and carried forth on a scallop shell. In Christianity, the scallop shell is often associated with salvation, as it was used for baptismal waters.
With her left arm, Courage keeps the woman at the far right, Despair, at a distance. Despair sits sadly with her eyes closed. Her posture suggests withdrawal from the intensity of the battle that the other two women watch.
Between Courage and Despair is Anxiety in the shadows. Anxiety’s hand grasps at the pit of her neck as if she is attempting to stop her worry from escaping her slightly parted lips. She peeks from behind the rock and watches the battle with a look of concern.
I know the girl in the middle!
A person who experiences anxiety also experiences courage, by default. I would argue that the more anxiety you have, the more courage is required to perform absolutely any action.
Bravery doesn’t exist without fear.
Thanks, that’s wholesome. I think, of course, everyone gets acquainted to all the ladies at some point in their life.
