— A Secret Love [Mythology I]

First piece of the “Mythology” collection: unique piece

Original charcoal drawing of “A Secret Love” or “The Secret of Artemis and Callisto”

So, I fell under the spell of a mythological story, in particular the tragic destiny of one of its characters: Callisto , to the point of wanting to “reinterpret it plastically”, in my own way.

The nymph Callisto was one of the companions of Artemis (the virgin goddess of the hunt). All of Artemis's nymphs were required to remain, like her, chaste. But Zeus, king of the gods, having noticed Callisto, decided to possess her. To seduce her, he took on the appearance of Artemis. Thus, Callisto was deceived by Zeus and became pregnant.

Since Zeus used Artemis's appearance to deceive Callisto, it's possible to deduce that the latter was indeed in love with the goddess. And it's precisely in this little corner of interpretation that I'd like to slip this realization.

This charcoal drawing is simply an invitation to discover, depending on your preferences, a fantasy thought of Callisto or an intimate moment between these two powerful female figures. It's up to you to choose between the imaginary and the real.

What fascinates me is the materialization of the impossible union. It is a secret kiss, buried in the shadows of a circle. It is not only a forbidden love, but also one condemned by the need for possession and divine jealousy. It is the eternal in its fragility.

• Technique: Charcoal
• Format: [56 x 76 cm]
• Support: Velin d'Arches®, fringed, BFK Rives, 100% cotton, Museum
• Traditional papermaking workshop (since 1492)
• Alkaline reserve , without acid or optical brighteners
• Comes with certificate of authenticity
• Signed by Lucas Clavel
• Completed in May 2025