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“The Truth coming out of the well” Jean-Léon Gérôme, 1896.

According to the painting’s legend, the Truth and the Lie meet one day. The Lie says: “It’s a marvelous day today!” The Truth sighs, for the day was indeed beautiful.

They spend time together, reaching a well. The Lie says: “The water is nice, let’s bathe!” The Truth, suspicious, tests the water and finds it pleasant. They undress and start bathing.

Suddenly, the Lie leaves, puts on the Truth’s clothes, and runs away. The furious Truth chases after her, naked.

Seeing the Truth exposed, the World turns away in contempt. Ashamed, the Truth returns to the well and disappears forever.

Since then, the Lie, dressed as the Truth, travels the world, satisfying society, which has no desire to see the naked Truth.

This powerful painting by Gérôme symbolizes how lies often masquerade as truths, deceiving society while the naked truth remains hidden and rejected. It's a timeless reflection on the complexities of perception and deception in our world.