Lais Corinthiaca c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Friedrich Weber’s "Lais Corinthiaca", an undated print. I’m struck by its quiet elegance, almost melancholic. What historical context shaped its creation and reception? Curator: Consider the 19th-century obsession with antiquity and idealised beauty, fueled by archaeological discoveries. This print places Lais, a courtesan, within that framework. The artist uses the imagery to both titillate and moralize, reflecting societal anxieties about female sexuality and power. Editor: So, it's less about historical accuracy and more about projecting contemporary values onto the past? Curator: Precisely. How does understanding this lens change your interpretation? Editor: It makes me question the romanticization of the subject matter. It reveals the underlying biases within the artistic representation.