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Caravaggio, Narcissus, c. 1599, oil on canvas, 110 x 92 cm, Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Rome, Italy.

“Narcissus, a painting that reflects Caravaggio's unique style, is a rich source for examining the intersection of art, mythology, and psychology. The myth of Narcissus, originating from Greek mythology, is a poignant tale that explores themes of vanity, self-obsession, and the consequences of unrequited love.

A possible interpretation of Caravaggio’s Narcissus can point to it being made as a vanitas, which was a genre of paintings that included allusions to death to highlight the shortness of life and that eventually that everyone will die: this is what Narcissus can potentially represent too, the idea of being so involved in life and beauty, otherwise vanity, and it does not last because death is an inevitable part of life."

Source: Plessis, Alicia D. “Narcissus by Caravaggio - Painting of Narcissus Analysis.” Art in Context.