Jupiter en Antiope 1675 - 1680

Gerard de Lairesse created this print, Jupiter en Antiope, sometime between 1641 and 1711. Here, we witness Jupiter, disguised as a satyr, approaching the sleeping Antiope. The tale is heavy with symbolism. Sleep, represented here, has been a recurring motif throughout art history. Consider the countless images of sleeping figures, from ancient funerary art to later depictions of mythical figures. Sleep represents a state of vulnerability, where the subconscious reigns, and boundaries blur. We also observe Jupiter's disguise. The use of masks and disguises has been a powerful symbol through time, representing hidden intentions, transformations, or the duality of human nature. The emotional resonance of this image lies in the tension between vulnerability and deception. It mirrors our collective anxieties, our ever-present awareness of potential threats lurking beneath the surface. The symbol evolves, constantly reshaped by the changing tides of culture and the subconscious.