Paris en Oenone 1658 - 1733

Curator: Here we have an etching by Gerard Hoet, likely created between 1658 and 1733, titled “Paris en Oenone.” It resides in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. My first thought looking at this? Editor: It’s oddly serene, isn't it? Considering the drama those two are usually involved in. I get a feeling of reluctant farewell, like a beautifully etched goodbye. Curator: That captures it nicely. Hoet depicts a moment from classical mythology: Paris’s departure from the nymph Oenone, before his fateful encounter with Helen. Editor: There’s a tangible sadness about Oenone’s posture, almost pleading. Even their clasped hands seem more of a bond being stretched than a loving embrace. It's heavy. Is that supposed to be a dog there too at the base of the figure? It seems so odd there Curator: The dog could symbolize loyalty and fidelity in this story of lovers' farewell. Beyond the pathos, observe the linear style; Hoet uses carefully placed lines to create form and depth. It really anchors the emotional narrative. Editor: The detail is stunning, but somewhat detached—almost scientific. Does this style evoke Baroque landscape art as something about the scene feels less free than I would like it. Curator: Indeed. While this landscape bears similarities to depictions in the Baroque Era, such as those of the Italian countryside and light of Rome in the art, Hoet is taking those elements of Italian painting back with him and turning it into something of his own. And the scene itself, derived from classical literature, is timeless, it evokes universal themes of love, duty, and destiny. Editor: Funny how these old stories get recycled. Even though I know what happens next, I find myself hoping Paris would just stay put! Curator: The myth is part of our collective unconscious. These images solidify the stories' legacy and enable reflection. Editor: True, and maybe that’s why even a tiny etching like this can still punch you in the gut after all these years. Curator: The symbolic endurance of these narratives certainly transcends both medium and era.