Minerva and Venus protecting a male hero (Aeneas?) in a boat against Cupid’s arrows 18th century

Editor: This pen and ink drawing, dating back to the 18th century, is attributed to Pietro Roselli. It depicts Minerva and Venus protecting a male hero, possibly Aeneas, from Cupid’s arrows, all set against this dramatic seascape. There’s a real sense of dynamic movement in the figures, but also a feeling of unease with Cupid shooting at them. How do you interpret this work in its historical context? Curator: It’s intriguing, isn't it? Consider the era: the 18th century was grappling with evolving notions of heroism and divine intervention, heavily influenced by classical antiquity. What stands out to me is the simultaneous portrayal of protection and vulnerability. Aeneas, or whoever the hero might be, needs protection from love itself, as embodied by Cupid. This presents an interesting commentary on the complexities of love, duty, and societal expectations of men. Are we to read this as an endorsement of traditional heroic values, or a subtle critique of them? Editor: That’s a good point. It’s like the work stages a conflict between destiny and desire. Are Minerva and Venus representing conflicting ideals, one of strategic wisdom, and the other of passionate love? Curator: Precisely! And given the pervasive influence of the Church during that time, what implications does the artist confront or perpetuate when choosing the gods to partake in the rescue mission? Perhaps even Roselli hints at something bigger regarding how the societal structure relies on conflicting ideologies. Where can we place the tension inherent in this very staging of divine and mortal power? Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn’t considered how the artwork reflects not just the mythology, but also the 18th-century struggle to reconcile those ancient stories with contemporary beliefs and the patriarchy. Curator: Right. It reveals how deeply intertwined societal beliefs are with the art created, whether the artists agreed with these or not! Thanks for bringing up that valuable observation about tension, I must consider that more!