The Great Exhibition, 1851: Cephalus and Procris by Ramus

Photograph of a scuplture showing Cephalus, kneeling on his left knee, supporting the dying Procris in his arms against his right thigh. He wears a headband, and an animal skin hangs down his back. Procris is unclothed apart from drapery hanging on her left arm.

The sculpture by Joseph-Marius Ramus (1805-1888) was exhibited at the Great Exhibition. The sculpture depicts the story of Cephalus and Procris. Fearing her husband Cephalus had a lover, Procris spied on him as he hunted. Hearing a rustling in the bushes, Cephalus threw a spear, shooting and killing his wife.

This photograph is from Volume IV (RCIN 2800003) of ' Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, 1851: Reports by the Juries on the Subjects in the Thirty Classes into which the Exhibition was Divided'. The incredibly successful Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, commonly known as the Great Exhibition, ran from May to October 1851. At the exhibition's conclusion, over 100 copies of the four volume 'Reports by the Juries' were distributed to foreign governments and notable participants. The reports consist of the juries' comments and assessments of the works displayed in the exhibition. The idea and decision to illustrate the reports with photographs is attributed to Prince Albert (1819-61).