The images of homosexuality changed from period to period but their core remained constant: passion and love between men. In historical works of art, mythological and religious themes served as metaphoric renditions for relations between men. The stories of three legendary couples: Hyacinth and Apollo, Achilles and Patroclus, and David and Goliath, were all tragic. Eros meets Thanatos in these depictions of the ecstasy of pain. These visions date from the times when men accused of homosexual acts faced strict punishment. Illegal homosexual content was often coded in Christian Europe. The codes have become redundant in contemporary art of democratic societies, and most artists use openly homoerotic themes. The “discreet” though brutal historical works are juxtaposed in the exhibit with politically engaged or romantic-and-erotic works by contemporary gay artists.