Souls on the Banks of the Acheron Adolph Hiremy-Hirschl (1860-1933)

Adolf Heremi-Hisl (1860-1933) was a Hungarian artist largely unknown to the general public who primarily painted historical and mythological subjects. Many of his works have been lost to this day. Those that have survived offer us a glimpse into the mysterious and mystical world of the artist. One of the most famous paintings that has come down to us is Souls on the Banks of Acheron. The subject matter comes from ancient Greek mythology and refers to the belief in the river Acheron, or as it is also called, the River of Sorrow, which separated the earth into the world of the living and the world of the dead. The painting is executed in dark and cold colors, which emphasizes the atmosphere of a place that appears gloomy, dangerous, and eerie. Notably, to enhance the effect, the artist used specially colored paper, further intensifying the feeling of coldness that permeates the work.

In the center of the composition is Hermes, immediately recognizable by his winged headdress. The moon around his head creates an aura, similar to a halo, which speaks of the importance of his figure. Hermes is depicted here as a guide who leads souls from the world of the living to the realm of the dead. His figure is unwavering, and his gaze is stern and direct. There is no trace of compassion in him, as he performs his routine task. Souls surround Hermes, and many implore him, weeping and reaching out their hands. Some of them have already lost hope and, horrified, turned to see Charon approaching along the river, who will soon take them to the gloomy kingdom of Hades. On the faces of these people, we can see a wide range of negative human emotions that each experiences in the face of death: anger, grief, horror, despair.

However, not everyone shares these feelings. The figures of small children stand apart. They accept death as inevitable, since they have not yet had time to experience all the joys of life and become attached to the earthly world. Too little keeps them on earth. Next to them, we see a couple with wreaths on their heads, reminiscent of two lovers. In their entire appearance, one can read humility, because for the lovers, the greatest value is the opportunity to be together, in life and death.

The artist shows the diversity of death and the different attitudes towards it. For some, death is deliverance, but most seek to avert the moment of truth, yet aware that it is inevitable. Death takes everyone, and there is no point in begging it to stop.

I stumbled upon this website completely by accident! Firstly, I am very old, in the truest sense of the word. I was preparing to watch a boxing match, but it didnt work out. Then I came across a wonderful equestrian painting and thought, Napoleon. However, based on my understanding, the rider seemed quite tall for Napoleon and too handsome. It turned out that it was indeed Napoleon – his height (according to the computer) is 168-169 cm. Next, a small image of a painting appeared, one I didnt recognize (I had never seen it before). I zoomed in on the image and became interested. My attempt to find out the artist (painter), the subject of the painting, etc., led me to write this comment. I didnt recognize Hermes; his hairstyle was too neat. I made a mistake about the subject matter. It is understandable that everyone is drawn to the standing gentleman. But why? The women are nude (or slightly covered), and their bodies are very beautiful (apparently, Adolf loved women, as we all do). I did not appreciate the presence of children. I am always outraged when I see them being exploited in any way. Only after reading the Russian text did I begin to understand something. In terms of age, I am close to the theme of the River Acheron. My current state is far from the idea conveyed in the painting, but I believe the painter is very good. Moreover, he was Hungarian. And the dates of his life (1860-1933, 73 years) are very close to mine (1939-2016... 77 years). My thought is this: if I had the gift of painting, all my paintings would be full of optimism and love for people, especially children. The help of Charon would not be necessary. I am not afraid of the River Acheron; I swim well, as long as cramps dont seize my legs.
I ask you, do not seek to immortalize my thoughts.
Sincerely, Dzael.