Standbeeld van Adonis before 1878

Stephen Thompson created this photograph of a statue of Adonis; the date is currently unknown. As a figure in classical mythology, Adonis embodies ideals of masculine beauty, desire, and tragedy. He represents a specific image of youthful male beauty which has influenced artistic and cultural representations over centuries. It is interesting to consider how classical ideals of beauty persist and have been redefined across different historical periods, carrying complex layers of gendered and cultural meanings. Standing nude within a recessed arch, the statue echoes traditional representations of the male form in art. The photograph not only captures an image but also evokes the emotional and aesthetic experience tied to the classical world. The representation of Adonis invites reflection on the nature of beauty and the cultural values we assign to it.