Saturnus 1704

"Saturnus" is an engraving by Giovanni Girolamo Frezza, made sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. The artwork depicts the Roman god Saturn, known for his complex and often brutal relationship with his children. It is hard to ignore the emotional weight of an aging father figure burdened by the weight of his offspring. In mythological accounts, Saturn devoured his children to prevent them from usurping him, so we have to wonder about the psychological weight of that. The artist's choice to portray Saturn in a moment of burdened tenderness, rather than monstrous action, invites a contemplation of the complexities inherent in power, family, and destiny. Consider how the artist uses classical iconography to convey a nuanced narrative, playing with themes of care, duty, and the darker sides of patriarchal power. Through Frezza’s rendering, we are reminded of the intimate yet fraught relationships that define much of the human experience.