Scene from Ovid's Metamorphosis c. 16th century

Editor: This is Gerard de Jode’s “Scene from Ovid’s Metamorphosis,” an engraving. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates an unsettling mood. What historical context can illuminate this piece? Curator: This engraving allows us to consider how classical narratives were used to reinforce or subtly critique societal norms. Consider the female figures depicted, perhaps embodying anxieties around female power and transformation within a patriarchal structure. How might contemporary feminist theory interpret their roles? Editor: That's a fascinating point. I hadn't considered the power dynamics at play. Curator: De Jode, working in the 16th century, engaged with Ovid during a period of religious and social upheaval. The metamorphosis itself can be seen as a metaphor for shifting identities and the anxieties surrounding them. It's a charged political statement. Editor: Thank you. Thinking about metamorphosis as a reflection of social anxieties really opens up a new perspective for me. Curator: It invites us to question what transformations are celebrated, and which are feared, within a culture.