Fate Atropos, ca. 1795

About the Work

In ancient mythology, the fate of mortals is decided by the three Parcae, the Fates. Atropos was one of them and responsible for severing the thread of life. Carstens, however, follows the philosopher Plato’s interpretation and shows her as a seer who can foretell the future and possible calamities: with a serious face and her mouth wide open, as if crying out to the viewer. Carstens dispensed with the execution of arms, thus creating a figure resembling an antique sculpture without limbs (torso). This sculpture was very popular in the 19th century and is the only surviving sculptural work by the artist, who was primarily known for his painting and draughtsmanship.