Astarte Sryiaca - 1875-77
Oil on canvas
The most important and provocative tribute to Jane Morris, the model for this painting this shows the sensuality combined with the cruel nature of women. And to acompany this piece:
Mystery: lo! betwixt the sun and moon
Astarte of the syrians: Venus Queen
Ere Aphrodite was. In silver sheen
Her twofold girdle clasps the infinate boon
Of bliss whereof the heaven and earth commune:
And from her neck's inclining flower-stem lean
Love-freighted lips and absolute yes that wean
The pulse of hearts to the sphres' dominant tune.
Torch-bearing, her sweet ministers compel
All thrones of light beyond the sky and sea
The witnesses of Beauty's face to be:
That face, of Love's all-penetrative spell
Amulet, talisman, and oracle, -
Betwixt the sun and moon a mystery.