Objects Against Absence

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow explores how portraits, inherited stones, a small jewel, and a flask give physical form to love while exposing the impossibility of holding another person permanently.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Hand and the Emeralds The Hand and the Emeralds from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Hand and the Emeralds Material contact Renata places the emeralds in Cantwell’s pocket and asks him to feel their weight.

The Hand and the Emeralds from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Hand and the Emeralds Material contact Renata places the emeralds in Cantwell’s pocket and asks him to feel their weight.

The Hand and the Emeralds Material contact Renata places the emeralds in Cantwell’s pocket and asks him to feel their weight. He experiences the stones through the same damaged hand she has treated tenderly. Meaning beyond price The object carries her family history and her wish to remain close. It is valuable, but its greatest value lies in the relationship it signifies.

The Portrait’s Arrival The Portrait’s Arrival from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait’s Arrival A visible likeness Renata’s portrait is brought into the dining room, where Cantwell studies it and praises its beauty.

The Portrait’s Arrival from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait’s Arrival A visible likeness Renata’s portrait is brought into the dining room, where Cantwell studies it and praises its beauty.

The Portrait’s Arrival A visible likeness Renata’s portrait is brought into the dining room, where Cantwell studies it and praises its beauty. The painting fixes her appearance at a moment when their shared time is passing. Image and person Cantwell knows that the canvas is not Renata and does not pretend otherwise. Its power comes from preserving an image while making her absence more imaginable.

The Portrait at Night The Portrait at Night from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait at Night Speaking to the canvas Cantwell talks to the portrait as if it could answer him.

The Portrait at Night from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait at Night Speaking to the canvas Cantwell talks to the portrait as if it could answer him.

The Portrait at Night Speaking to the canvas Cantwell talks to the portrait as if it could answer him. Its silence reveals the difference between a keepsake and companionship. A temporary comfort He keeps the image within sight and admits that it helps him endure the night. The portrait cannot end loneliness, but it gives his thoughts a focus.

The Ebony Gift The Ebony Gift from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Ebony Gift A selected object Renata chooses the ebony figure she wants Cantwell to buy.

The Ebony Gift from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Ebony Gift A selected object Renata chooses the ebony figure she wants Cantwell to buy.

The Ebony Gift A selected object Renata chooses the ebony figure she wants Cantwell to buy. The gift is modest compared with the emeralds, but it has the personal meaning she gives it. Love made tangible The object can travel with her as a reminder of Cantwell. Its smallness highlights how little either person can give that would overcome the larger separation.

The Inscribed Flask The Inscribed Flask from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Inscribed Flask A hidden inscription Cantwell drinks from a silver flask engraved with a message from Renata.

The Inscribed Flask from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Inscribed Flask A hidden inscription Cantwell drinks from a silver flask engraved with a message from Renata.

The Inscribed Flask A hidden inscription Cantwell drinks from a silver flask engraved with a message from Renata. The inscription is known only to the two lovers and its maker. A private history The flask shows that their attachment has existed beyond the final weekend. Its presence in the hunting scene joins everyday habit, memory, and the coming loss.

On the walk to dinner

During dinner before the gondola ride

Alone in the hotel room after Renata goes home

The final morning in Venice

During the return boat ride after the hunt