The Meaning of the Portrait

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow traces how Renata’s portrait changes from a gift and likeness into a silent companion and, finally, a responsibility after Cantwell’s death.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Portrait Promised A Portrait Promised from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Portrait Promised An offer made Renata tells Cantwell that she has a portrait painted by a talented young artist and offers it to him.

A Portrait Promised from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Portrait Promised An offer made Renata tells Cantwell that she has a portrait painted by a talented young artist and offers it to him.

A Portrait Promised An offer made Renata tells Cantwell that she has a portrait painted by a talented young artist and offers it to him. She describes the image as romantic rather than fully true to life. An imagined use Cantwell says he would like to have it in his quarters. The portrait begins as a possible keepsake that can make absence easier to bear.

The Canvas Unveiled The Canvas Unveiled from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Canvas Unveiled Public admiration The portrait arrives in the dining room and is shown to Cantwell.

The Canvas Unveiled from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Canvas Unveiled Public admiration The portrait arrives in the dining room and is shown to Cantwell.

The Canvas Unveiled Public admiration The portrait arrives in the dining room and is shown to Cantwell. The people around the table recognize its beauty and its connection to Renata. A complicated gift Cantwell says he cannot accept it, then admits he is deeply moved. Renata insists that she has given it freely, making the exchange both intimate and visible.

The Portrait’s Silence The Portrait’s Silence from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait’s Silence A silent listener Cantwell speaks to the canvas after Renata has gone home.

The Portrait’s Silence from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait’s Silence A silent listener Cantwell speaks to the canvas after Renata has gone home.

The Portrait’s Silence A silent listener Cantwell speaks to the canvas after Renata has gone home. He imagines a conversation but recognizes that the portrait cannot respond. Companionship at a distance The image gives him an object on which to focus his affection. It makes the absence bearable only by confirming that Renata is not there.

The Image in Daylight The Image in Daylight from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Image in Daylight A clearer view Cantwell examines the portrait again in daylight and compares it with Renata standing nearby.

The Image in Daylight from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Image in Daylight A clearer view Cantwell examines the portrait again in daylight and compares it with Renata standing nearby.

The Image in Daylight A clearer view Cantwell examines the portrait again in daylight and compares it with Renata standing nearby. He sees that likeness and reality cannot be equated. A useful difference Renata accepts that the painting has served a purpose by giving Cantwell something to look at. The image remains meaningful without pretending to replace its subject.

The Order for Return The Order for Return from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Order for Return A final instruction Cantwell’s written order directs Jackson to return the wrapped painting and guns to the Gritti, where their rightful…

The Order for Return from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Order for Return A final instruction Cantwell’s written order directs Jackson to return the wrapped painting and guns to the Gritti, where their rightful…

The Order for Return A final instruction Cantwell’s written order directs Jackson to return the wrapped painting and guns to the Gritti, where their rightful owner can claim them. The portrait’s future is placed in Jackson’s hands. The object outlives its giver Cantwell dies before he can make the return himself. The painting remains a connection between the dead officer and Renata, carried forward by an order.

During the first conversation at Harry’s Bar

During dinner on the first evening

Alone at night in the Gritti room

The following morning

After Cantwell’s death on the road