Leda and the Swan 1715 - 1800

Claude Augustin Duflos le Jeune created this engraving titled "Leda and the Swan" in the 18th century. The story of Leda and the Swan comes from Greek mythology, where Zeus transforms into a swan to seduce or rape Leda. The artwork emerges from a historical context where classical myths were often used to explore themes of power, desire, and fate. Duflos's engraving invites us to consider the gendered dynamics of the myth. How does he portray Leda's agency, or lack thereof, in this encounter? The image can be interpreted as a reflection on female vulnerability and the consequences of encounters between gods and mortals. What feelings does this image evoke in you? How does it challenge or reinforce traditional narratives around gender, power, and mythology?