Illustrations to the Metamorphoses of Ovid: Jupiter and Io (.1); Jupiter and Io, disguised as a white beifer (.2); Mercury Rescuing Io from Argus (.3) 1664 - 1700

These three illustrations, made with pen and brown wash by Godfried Maes, depict scenes from Ovid's Metamorphoses, a text that has long resonated within Western art and literature. Maes, working in the late 17th century, taps into the mythological narratives that often served to reinforce societal structures and power dynamics. These drawings capture the story of Jupiter and Io, rife with themes of transformation, seduction, and power. Jupiter's pursuit of Io, and her subsequent transformation into a heifer to hide her from Juno's wrath, raises questions about female agency and the consequences of male desire and dominance. Maes presents this story through a lens that both celebrates classical narratives and hints at their inherent tensions. Consider how the tale reflects the delicate negotiation of identity and survival, a poignant commentary on the enduring narratives that continue to shape our understanding of gender, power, and the self.