The Milliner's Evil Secret 

This is an engraving by Edward O’Brien, depicting a deer in the forest, though the title suggests something more sinister, The Milliner's Evil Secret. The deer, a symbol deeply rooted in the human psyche, appears across cultures, from the Paleolithic cave paintings to medieval tapestries, embodying themes of vulnerability and the hunt. But here, the deer’s bent posture and the forest’s density evoke a sense of hidden knowledge. One is reminded of Actaeon from Ovid's Metamorphoses, transformed into a deer and torn apart by his hounds after stumbling upon Diana bathing. It speaks to the primordial fear of the unknown, the transgression of boundaries, and the savage consequences that may follow. The milliner's secret mirrors this, a hidden truth lurking beneath the surface, capable of transforming the familiar into a realm of danger and dread. The image resonates with our collective memory, tapping into our deepest fears and desires, inviting us to confront the darker aspects of the human experience.