In the platonic Symposium, Socrates recalls of a time when he was taught about the philosophy of love by a woman, a priestess, a seer: Diotima of Mantinea. She illuminated him on the genealogy of love, a spirit who is in between humans and deity because he is son of Poros (Expediency) and Penia (Poverty). From his parents he got the main characteristics of being always deficient, but he is also a master of deception and can finely use his resources. Since he was born during Aphrodite’s birthday feast, he is bound to be her follower, so that his eternal search for what he doesn’t have is actually a quest for beauty. Plato adds cunningly that, since wisdom is a beautiful thing, then Eros (Love) is a philosopher, because he is after the beauty of knowledge.
Thus, we have a woman teaching a famous ancient Greek philosopher (not bad!) about love, which is not a vulgar passion but ultimately a desire for wisdom (not bad at all!).
Diotima is the figure I refer to when visiting any museum, art gallery or exhibition, and she is my inspiring guide everytime I prepare the pieces for this blog.
Diotima in the Gallery 