Herme van Priapus, van voren gezien 1646 - 1670

Editor: Here we have Hubert Quellinus' "Herme van Priapus, van voren gezien," created between 1646 and 1670. It's an engraving—so, lines etched into metal, then printed. The first thing that jumps out is just how…intense he looks. What do you see in this work? Curator: Well, I see a lot, of course, and a fair amount that might make a modern museum-goer blush! But let's dig a bit deeper. Forget, for a second, the…ahem…prominent details. Look at the rendering. The engraver clearly delights in the textures - the rough, almost overgrown, beard, contrasted by the smoothness of the torso. Editor: I guess I was too focused on the…main attraction. You're right; there *is* a real beauty to the engraving. And he seems sort of… jolly? Or maybe lecherous? Curator: I think “earthy” is the right word. Priapus, in Greco-Roman mythology, was the god of fertility and gardens. This isn't the refined, idealized beauty we often see. This is life-force, raw and unapologetic. Almost a…statement, maybe, about societal hangups concerning our bodies. The way we grapple with what we celebrate, and what we censor. Editor: So, more than just…a naughty statue? Curator: Oh, absolutely! I find Quellinus captures that tension brilliantly, doesn't he? Editor: I do, now! Thanks. I will definitely think differently next time I come across a Priapus. Curator: My pleasure, it is interesting how even the oldest images speak directly to who we are today, I think.