Jason op de vliegende ram 1813

Catharina Kemper made this drawing of Jason on the flying ram, likely as a preparatory sketch. The scene, drawn with precise lines, refers to the classical myth of Jason, sent on a quest to find the Golden Fleece. The image, through its engagement with classical mythology, offers insights into the cultural values and artistic practices of its time. In the 18th and 19th centuries, a renewed interest in classical antiquity swept through Europe, influencing art, literature, and philosophy. Artists looked to Greek and Roman myths for inspiration, drawn to their themes of heroism, tragedy, and morality. The institutional art world, particularly the academy, promoted classical art as the epitome of aesthetic achievement, encouraging artists to study and emulate it. To fully appreciate the drawing's place in history, a historian might consult period literature and academic treatises. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.