The artwork “Study for Apollo and Hyacinthus (Sepia)” is a creation of artist Kent Monkman, completed in the year 2008. Falling within the realms of postcolonial and queer art movements, this sketch is exemplary of the artist’s exploration of mythological painting. The sepia tones of the artwork evoke a sense of antiquity while also engaging with contemporary themes.
This artwork presents two figures that appear to be entwined in a complex, dynamic interaction. The figure on the left, given an angelic quality through the inclusion of wings, seems to be comforting or supporting the figure on the right, who exhibits a posture of vulnerability or distress. The muscular forms and bodily expressions are rendered with careful attention to anatomical detail, which is characteristic of studies aiming to capture the human form with precision.
The background is minimally detailed, focusing the viewer’s attention on the figures themselves. Notably, there are implements on the ground that resemble lacrosse sticks and a ball, thus combining elements of classical mythology with references to contemporary Indigenous culture; a recurring motif in Monkman’s work which is known for its critique of colonial narratives and its championing of indigenous perspectives and identities.
The sepia tones chosen for this work not only serve to unify the composition, but also to confer upon it a sense of timelessness, bridging the past with the issues of the present in a subtle yet poignant manner. The complexity of the subjects’ interaction and the emotional resonance of the piece are hallmarks of Monkman’s style, employing art as a means to explore and comment on cultural identity, history, and representation.
