Juno Entreats Aeolus to Loose the Winds against the Fleet of Aeneas c. 17th century

Curator: This is Gérard Audran's engraving, "Juno Entreats Aeolus to Loose the Winds against the Fleet of Aeneas," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. The scene has a rather turbulent feel, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. The swirling clouds and the rather agitated figures suggest a brewing tempest, both literal and figurative. Juno's commanding gesture is brilliantly offset by Aeolus's reluctance. Curator: Note the composition. The oval format neatly contains the divine drama, concentrating our focus on the interplay between Juno and Aeolus. The lines create a sense of depth, leading the eye from Juno to the winds themselves. Editor: Juno's plea to Aeolus carries layers of meaning. Her anger towards Aeneas, driven by prophecy, speaks to deeper cultural fears about fate and the disruption of established order. The unleashed winds represent chaos, a threat to both mortal and divine realms. Curator: The stark contrast between light and shadow heightens the drama and emphasizes the musculature of the figures, a hallmark of classical engraving. Editor: A potent reminder that even gods are subject to passions, and their actions have profound consequences. Curator: Indeed. Audran masterfully captures a pivotal moment from the Aeneid, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of power, fate, and revenge. Editor: A truly impactful and nuanced engraving.