As Robert searches for ideas, he copies two images from art history that demonstrate how he was equally drawn to mythology and autobiography. The top image, Mythological Scene, by Renaissance artist Piero di Cosimo, is reset in Nova Scotia with a view of the Minas Basin and Cape Blomidon in the distance. At the bottom of the page is a thumbnail sketch of Edvard Munch’s late self portrait, Between the Clock and the Bed. This is the first indication of Robert’s long and thorough engagement with Munch’s work. There are many points of connection between the artists: the illness theme, the theme of obsessive love, the many self-portraits, the use of allegory and ocean-side settings, the kiss motif, the dance motif, the wharf motif.