Loss of Faith, Jan Toorop, 1894

prepared paper, h 940mm × w 770mm More details

In this chaotic scene, mankind has lost its faith and drowns in the sea of life. The heads of the Dutch writers Willem Kloos and Lodewijk van Deyssel are still just above the water. Sticking out of the ground at centre are bayonets, symbols of the sovereign power intent on restoring order through violence. All hope is not lost, however, for Psyche, the Soul, sails in on two swans at the left.