God, you are never as beautiful as on a human face

Abstract

Around two mythical figures embodying beauty — Apollo and Narcissus — several recurring themes in Yourcenar’s work become intertwined. The theme of self-image: strange, foreign, even unattainable, as reflected by all kinds of mirrors, symbols of the difficult relationship between the self and itself, and between the self and others. The theme of beauty and art, of the beloved seen as a work of art. The theme of the loved one’s status, perceived both as a divine being and as a work of art. All these themes converge to express the idea of immortalization through art and divinization through love.