Silas Ellis has been a St. Louis police officer for 22 years. He’s worked at the Pulitzer for eight. He’s also a champion bowler and volunteer drug counselor.  

Amy Broadway: You’ve agreed to talk for 15 minutes about Wtewael’s Cephalus and Procris (The Death of Procris) on the Pulitzer’s last open Sunday for the current exhibition. What made you choose that painting?

Silas Ellis: During performances by the company of ex-offenders, who I thought were great, one of the actors lines was to this effect: “That’s why I stay by myself, I don’t get my feelings hurt by nobody and don’t have to worry about nobody but myself.” Another performer asked, “Is that really how you want to live?” That was the end of the skit for Cephalus and Procris. Even with the final question, which didn’t require an answer, I thought how selfish the previous comment was when much of the circumstances of the story involved unselfish acts. So for me, this is a chance to tell another side of the story!  

AB: What is the story behind the painting, and what do you think it underscores about the human experience?

SE: There is the coming together of two people in the name of love. Thereafter is temptation, jealously, infidelity and distrust which culminates in a tragic ending. Human beings are not gods, are not magical, and their unreasonable actions quickly identify their human frailties. Everyday, domestic, heat of passion responses are similar to the story of Cephalus and Procris. It’s an age-old painting with an age-old tale, descriptive of modern day broken relationships.   

AB: You are well-known at the Pulitzer as a superb singer with an extensive mental catalogue of song lyrics. Does Wtewael’s painting remind you of any songs, and if so, which ones?

SE: Three songs come to mind:          

1. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, with the lines, ”Trust in me like I trust in you,” and “What good is a love affair if we can’t see eye to eye?”           

2. “Against All Odds,” by Phil Collins with, “Take a look at me now, there’s just an empty space.”            

3. “Dream Merchant,” by New Birth. “I didn’t realize our love, now I need her back so much,” and “Hey, hey, Mr. Dream Merchant, bring her back now. I need her, I need her, bring her back to me.”   

AB: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

SE: Human beings make mistakes that are sometimes tragic, but the reality is life is a continuing cycle that offers the opportunity to improve and not make the same mistakes over and over. Cephalus never forgave himself for Procris’ death. Learn to forgive yourself for mistakes. When you do, it’s easier to forgive others and move forward!