Neptunus en Bisaltis 1708

Bernard Picart created this engraving, "Neptunus en Bisaltis," around 1708, amidst the cultural vibrancy of the early 18th century. Picart, working between Paris and Amsterdam, was deeply influenced by classical mythology, a common theme during the Enlightenment, which often served as a lens through which contemporary social and political ideas were explored. Here, we see Neptune, disguised as a ram, seducing the nymph Bisaltis, a narrative drawn from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Picart presents a vision of power and desire, underscored by the vulnerability of Bisaltis. Consider how the male gaze, dominant in art of this era, shapes the depiction of Bisaltis’s passivity. The tension in this piece arises from this dynamic, asking us to reflect on the power structures embedded in such classical tales and their resonance in contemporary gender and social relations. The artwork invites us to contemplate how stories of transformation and desire reflect both personal experiences and broader cultural values.