Chariots
The illustrations here are taken from Plato’s dialogue, Phaedrus using the analogy of two chariots as an allegory to the human soul and its journey towards enlightenment. Specifically, my concentration focuses on the part of discussion between Socrates and the young Phaedrus dealing with the madness of love. Socrates argues that love is one of four types of madness that men encounter, yet that they are given by the gods as a gift rather than a hinderance. The madness of love is brought forth by Aphrodite, who is painted on the inside of this kylix. The frieze on the outside of the cup depicts the two chariots of Socrates’ analogy. The duality of the soul is the base here, with the charioteer serving as reason and each horse representing one of the polarities of man’s internal drives. Much of this argument foreshadows Freud’s interpretation of consciousness; the white horse (Freud’s concept of superego) is strong-willed yet capable of command, it stands for one’s boldness and courage. The black horse (the id) is wild and untamed, representing desire and concupiscence. a full ascension of the soul is not possible without both horses pulling the chariot, but the challenge, of course, is in the simultaneous control of the two drives. Socrates details how the pitched battle goes within the conscious mind and that with self-control and respect of beauty finds equilibrium with desire, the soul will be able to rise above the earth and finally reach peace and attainment.