You're The One That I Want
(The Physician's Tale)
The story:
Virginia, the exquisitely attractive daughter of a knight named Virginius catches the eye of Appius, a lecherous judge who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
In a plot to get hold of Virginia, Virginius is accused of stealing her from the Judge's household many years previously and is ordered to return her to court.
Not permitted to defend himself Virginius is sent to fetch her. On his return home Virginius tells his daughter she has a choice... "be dishonoured by Appius or die".
The virtuous Virginia chooses death and her father smites off her head which he then gives to Appius in obedience to his order to bring Virginia to him.
Totally incensed, the Judge commands that Virginius is to be executed for murder, but the local citizens rise up in defence of Virginius and imprison Appius who later hangs himself.
In the picture:
Watched by Appius, Virginia chooses death over dishonour as her father reaches for his sword.
Behind the picture:
The Physician's Tale is a battle of virtue and morality (personified by Virginia and Virginius) versus wickedness and dishonesty (in the shape of Appius).
Symbolism:
Virginia is likened to the most beautiful of flowers... the rose. Her father reaches into the unavoidable thorns to draw his sword.
Virginia is also likened to Pygmalion's Statue. (Pygmalion created a statue so perfect he fell in love with it.) The statue, draped with daisies and ivy is headless... the fate awaiting Virginia.
Virginia gazing past the green, unripe grapes, a reference to her innocence, turns her back on Appius who is surrounded by fully ripe luscious fruit dripping from the vine in reference to his hedonistic lifestyle and expectations.
Appius can also be seen in the predatory wolf howling at the moon as the sheep graze unprotected while their shepherd lies sleeping under the tree.
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