| Object Number: | P_EDM_0022 | |
| Date: | 1898 | |
| Category: | Oil on canvas and Paintings | |
| Material: | Oil on canvas | |
| Dimensions: | Framed: H 1240 x W 738 x D 90 mm | |
| Inscriptions: | Signature, 1898: EDeM 1898 |
In Greek legend, Cassandra (the daughter of King Priam the King of Troy) was passionately loved by Apollo. He promised to grant her whatever she asked, if she loved him in return. Cassandra asked for the gift of prophecy, however, once she received her powers she refused to keep her part of the bargain. Angry, Apollo wet her lips with his tongue, ensuring that no one would believe her predictions although they were invariably correct. Cassandra was looked upon by the Trojans as insane and was confined. Her name has become synonymous the prophet of doom. In Virgils Aeneid , she prophesied the fall of Troy through a wooden horse, but was not believed. In the picture she is seen tearing her hair because what she has foretold has come true. Troy is shown burning tin the background. To the left is the wooden horse in which the Greeks by trickery entered the city and the on the ground are blood red flowers.