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In this oil painting we
can observe a man, lying on a table, and being dismembered
by an executioner or grim-reaper figure. In addition,
various animals gather around to feast on the body parts.
This painting often raises a lot of questions concerning its
meaning. What does it signify? Let us note in passing that
this painting is symbolic and should not be interpreted
literally. It is a metaphor; so needless to say, do not try
this at home.
In general, themes of
Dismemberment and Sacrifice are found in all of the
mythologies of the world. For instance, in Christian
mythology Jesus Christ is sacrificed on the cross, and St.
Paul of Tarsus is blinded on the road to Damascus. In Hindu
mythology, there is a deity named Kali who devours and
consumes the Gods. In Greek mythology, the God Dionysus is
sacrificed and reborn annually. And in Egyptian mythology,
the God Osiris is also dismembered and his body-parts are
scattered over the land.
Psychologically,
dismemberment symbolizes the 'difficulty of keeping things
together.' We often here people say, "this week my life is
falling apart." This painting, then, can symbolize peoples
inner fragmentation and turmoil. This painting can also
symbolize moments when we 'cut ourselves off' from our
emotions, instincts, thoughts and intuitions. The grim
reapers ability to divide can also signify our ability to
separate and categorize things so that they may be analyzed.
Spiritually speaking, this painting can symbolize the 'real'
body of a God being dismembered to feed creation. The body
of a God can be life, pure wisdom and inspiration for us
all. It can also symbolize humanity 'cut off' from the Gods
and Goddesses. Whenever we encounter in myths and rituals:
knives, swords and everykind of cutting or explosive
weapons; we are dealing with the themes of dismemberment and
sacrifice.
VanJohnstone
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