Tithonus and Aurora

Aurora embraces Tithonus, whose immortality has failed to protect him from old age. In the book's account, she obtains endless life for her beloved but forgets to ask for enduring youth. His increasing frailty turns the gift into a burden until she changes him into a cicada.

The commentary explores the insect's renewal and its association with dawn's dew, described by poets as Aurora's tears. The tenderness of the two figures is therefore shadowed by unequal time: a goddess remains radiant while her mortal companion grows old.

Historical context is adapted from the accompanying commentary by Antoine de La Barre de Beaumarchais. Its interpretations reflect the period in which the book was published.

This edition follows plate 18 in Le Temple des Muses. The complete historical page and its explanatory text remain available in the source record. Source attribution: Bernard Picart and other engravers, Le Temple des Muses (1749 edition). Museum date: 1749 (publication). Source medium: Engraving, inner pictorial scene. Source portfolio: Le Temple des Muses, plate 18.

The inner illustration has been straightened and extracted from its surrounding engraved frame, caption and paper. The comparison shows that extracted engraving beside Surrealium's contemporary colour interpretation.

Surrealium's contemporary AI-assisted colour interpretation takes this print as its starting point. The colours are interpretive choices made for this edition.

Compare the museum original with the Surrealium edition, then order the finished work as a fine-art print or canvas. No subscription is required to purchase. Customisation is available to active Fable subscribers.