The End of the Song

On the palace terrace, a young minstrel has just finished playing his harp, creating a sweet moment. The beautiful princess has paused her embroidery, quietly listening to his passionate whispers.

The honeysuckle entwined around the pillars symbolizes 'bonds of love'. The two are completely absorbed in their own world, oblivious even to the approaching King (her father) from the staircase behind them. The King, stroking his beard, watches the young couple with a somewhat gentle gaze.

However, in reality, when this painting was first completed, the King's figure was entirely different.

The original canvas depicted the King with an enraged expression, about to draw his sword. A love between a mere musician and a princess, a mismatch in social status. This painting was originally a suspenseful work portraying the 'premonition of tragedy' and 'cruel social hierarchy' brought about by forbidden love.

However, perhaps because the painting's buyer disliked such an unsettling and painful outcome, the King's figure was later repainted by the artist himself. The hand that had been on the sword was moved to his beard, and the murderous intent transformed into quiet contemplation.

With the sword that was meant to be drawn now gone, the couple's moment gained eternal tranquility. It is a romantic, magical moment that the artist gently bestowed upon the lovers, who were once headed for tragedy, solely within the confines of the canvas.