La Cigale 

Frank Eugene captured “La Cigale” with the camera, a symbol of transformation, echoing the cyclical nature of life and art. The title evokes the fable of the cicada, who sang through summer, only to find herself destitute in winter, begging the ant for sustenance. Here, the figure’s posture of despair resonates with the cicada's plight—head in hand, a gesture of sorrow, her nakedness suggesting vulnerability. This gesture can be found in countless images across time, from depictions of Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross to modern portraits of melancholy. Through cultural memory, the cicada metamorphoses from a symbol of carefree abandon to a poignant representation of the consequences of neglecting foresight. This motif, like so many, demonstrates our shared, collective unconscious. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings throughout history.