Blad met twee foto's van sculpturen; Flora en Juno c. 1860 - 1889

Roberto Rive made this photographic print of two sculptures, Flora and Juno, sometime in the 19th century. The sculptures are starkly presented against dark backdrops, emphasizing their smooth textures and classical forms. Consider how Rive uses light and shadow to define the contours of each figure, creating a sense of depth and volume. The composition, split into two distinct frames, invites a comparison between the goddesses. Flora, framed by an archway, embodies a softer, more enclosed grace, whereas Juno stands openly, her staff and extended hand projecting authority. This juxtaposition raises questions about the representation of feminine power and beauty within the visual language available at the time. The rigid symmetry and classical references do not simply reproduce ancient ideals; they also signify a moment in history in which the language of Neoclassicism was employed to establish a modern identity. These visual strategies are attempts to fix and classify cultural values.