Besiegt 

Hans Zatzka painted "Besiegt," an oil on canvas, during a time of great artistic and social change. Zatzka situated himself firmly within a tradition of romantic escapism, during a time of nascent modernism. This painting depicts a reclining woman, attended by a cherubic figure in a lush, classical setting. The sensuality of the scene, the woman’s languid pose, and the playful interaction with the cherub evoke themes of desire and innocence. How does Zatzka negotiate the place of women in society through the woman's submissive posture and the cherub’s playful dominance? Consider also, Zatzka's work reflects the tastes of the upper middle classes, at the turn of the century, who sought refuge from the rapid industrialization and urbanization. What might this tell us about the prevailing social values and anxieties of the time? The artwork invites us to reflect on our own relationship with beauty, desire, and the idealized visions that art can offer.