Longing For Eternity

About the artwork

This etching is inspired by the work of a poet named Ovid, who lived over two thousand years ago. He wrote a poem about two lovers, 'Baucis & Philemon,' In the poem , Baucis and Philemon are an elderly couple living in the region of Phrygia. One day, the gods Zeus and Hermes, disguised as travellers, visit their village seeking shelter. While the other villagers turn them away, Baucis and Philemon welcome the strangers into their humble home and offer them what little they have. Grateful for their hospitality, Zeus and Hermes reveal their true identities and offer to grant the couple any wish they desire. Baucis and Philemon wish to remain together forever and to die at the same time. In response, Zeus transforms their humble cottage into a grand temple and grants their wish. When the time comes for them to die, they are transformed into an intertwining pair of trees- a linden and an oak- symbolising their eternal love and unity.