Jupiter, disguised as an eagle, with Ganymede, and a sketch of two peacocks 1763 - 1809

Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard created this drawing of Jupiter, disguised as an eagle, with Ganymede, and a sketch of two peacocks using pen and brown ink with brush and gray wash. It presents the mythological narrative of Ganymede, a Trojan prince abducted by Jupiter in the guise of an eagle to serve as his cupbearer. Made in Denmark sometime in the late 18th century, the artwork reflects the influence of classical antiquity, which was very fashionable at the time, on European art. Abildgaard was a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, an institution which heavily promoted the study of classical art and history. By returning to the artistic values and aesthetics of the ancient world, Abildgaard sought to express universal truths and timeless ideals, reinforcing the cultural norms of the period, even if the subject matter of homoerotic relationships seems slightly out of step. To fully understand Abildgaard’s artistic choices, we can consult archival documents from the Royal Danish Academy, and explore the broader social and intellectual context of 18th-century Europe. Art history reminds us that the meaning of art is always contingent on the time and place it was made.