Jupiter et Calisto c. 17th century

Editor: So, here we have "Jupiter et Calisto," an etching by Stefano della Bella, from the 17th century. The figures are graceful, but there's something a bit unsettling in their interaction. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a moment pregnant with unspoken power dynamics. Look at the gaze averted by Calisto, her almost hesitant touch. This is not just a rendering of a classical myth; it's a commentary on vulnerability and coercion within structures of power, specifically masculine dominance. Editor: Coercion? I guess I see a bit of hesitation, but I wouldn't immediately jump to coercion. Curator: Think about the context, though. Consider the stories attached to such mythological scenes during this era. How many of these depictions elide the violence inherent in Jupiter's encounters? This print invites us to question what’s *not* being shown – the backstory of manipulation and forced submission that shapes Calisto's fate. Editor: That's a very valid point I did not considered initially, how do you factor in the presence of the landscape? Is the natural world just a background? Curator: Not at all! The landscape operates as witness and accomplice. The rough etching lines almost trap the figures in the scene. Notice how Calisto seeks support to the tree. Nature then, becomes both refuge and prison, reflecting the complex reality for women lacking autonomy. It’s a carefully constructed space that emphasizes Calisto's compromised position within the patriarchal narrative. What do you think of it now? Editor: I never considered this reading before! The artist choice is fascinating given your comments, even unsettling when you really look. The historical backdrop really enriches the artwork. Curator: Exactly! Hopefully, looking at it through this lens, you'll see the artwork in a different light moving forward. Editor: Definitely! I have a better understanding of not just *what* is shown but *why*. Thanks!