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About Diane Unveiled
This beautiful design of a nude woman among doves
brought to mind moonlight and the sensually historic
figure of Diane de Poitiers. One of the most famous
courtesans of The Renaissance, she served as
mistress, adviser and tutor to the young king of
France, Henri II. She was known for her great beauty
and intellect; and often associated with the
mythological figure, Dianna --goddess of the moon and
hunt. Yet, she was an older woman in love with a
younger man. This became the premise of the poem and
its reflective thoughts inspired by the picture, "Nu
aux Oiseaux."
In a dialog with herself, Diane reflects on her
present situation and the king's love for her. Though
confident of his devotion, she still fears the
inevitability of her situation. She confesses that
someday another evening will come when
doves sing and light filters through the leaves; but
so will a "younger, blossoming shadow of Diane", a
fresher version of herself. She understands her time
and position at court have a mortality of their own;
and this realization is like a silken darkness she
cannot rip out of her wardrobe or her life. Therefore,
she accepts her fate with grace and a bittersweet
resignation.
© 2008, Wendy Howe.
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