Regardless of whether this is truly a life or death mask, however, one thing is clear: the poignant, Mona Lisa-like expression on the young woman's face has inspired uncounted international literary tributes (from authors as diverse as Rainer Maria Rilke, Vladimir Nabokov, and Chuck Palahniuk), not to mention fashion trends. The erotic ideal of a generation was inspired by a young woman who was definitely mysterious and unknown -- and, according to the popular imagination, most likely, tragically, dead.
Later, her cryptic face became the model for Rescue Annie, the first mannequin used to teach CPR.
Further reading:
- From The Guardian: "Ophelia of the Seine."
- From New Scientist: "The Girl from the Seine."
- From Mental Floss: "The Creepiest Thing Ever: L’Inconnue de la Seine."
- From Snopes.com: "CPR Annie."
Text of the Day: Here's the eerie "The Horrors of Sleep" by Emily Brontë (1818-1848).
Sleep brings no joy to me.
Rememberance never dies.
My soul is given to mystery,
And lives in sighs.
Sleep brings no rest to me;
The shadows of the dead
My wakening eyes may never see
Surround my bed.
Sleep brings no hope to me,
In soundest sleep they come,
And with their doleful imag'ry
Deepen the gloom.
Sleep brings no strength to me,
No power renewed to brave;
I only sail a wilder sea,
A darker wave.
Sleep brings no friend to me
to soothe and aid to bear;
They all gaze on, how scornfully,
And I despair.
Sleep brings no wish to fret
My harrassed heart beneath;
My only wish is to forget
In endless sleep of death.
