One of the first visibly Sapphic statements in Western art, this revolutionary double portrait (supposedly inspired by a night at the opera) presents Gluck and Nesta side by side in profile, bound together by their love, with Nesta’s golden hair framing Gluck’s like a halo. Although they are united, there is a remoteness to them. Gluck, who is closer to us, appears tense. Nesta, looking upwards and into the distance, is bathed in a celestial light, as if untouchable, with Gluck attempting to hold on to her.
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