Mercurius brengt Bacchus naar de nimfen van Nysa 1801

Pierre Audouin created this print titled ‘Mercurius brengt Bacchus naar de nimfen van Nysa’ using etching and engraving techniques. Audouin worked in France during a transformative period marked by shifting political landscapes and evolving social norms following the French Revolution. Here, we see a scene steeped in classical mythology, Mercury is carrying the infant Bacchus to the nymphs of Nysa. These nymphs represent not just figures of mythology, but also ideals of femininity and nurture. The text below the image translates to “Raise this child in the shadow of mystery. He was an orphan before he saw the light of day.” This line encapsulates the vulnerability of infancy and the protective role of women in safeguarding innocence. This print serves as a lens through which we can examine societal expectations around gender and caregiving, while prompting reflection on themes of protection, vulnerability, and the narratives we construct around identity.