Jupiter Hurling Thunderbolts at the Giants c. 16th century

Curator: Looking at "Jupiter Hurling Thunderbolts at the Giants" by Pietro Santi Bartoli, created sometime before 1700 and now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, the first thing that strikes me is the sheer density of figures crammed into this small space. Editor: It feels like a celestial mosh pit, doesn't it? All those bodies tumbling through the clouds. There's almost a Baroque theatricality to it, a real sense of drama. Curator: Bartoli was working within a tradition of depicting these grand mythological battles. The image is rife with classical power struggles, likely alluding to contemporary tensions too. How these tales resonated with audiences then, especially regarding authority and rebellion, is fascinating to consider. Editor: I'm drawn to the energy of it. You can almost hear the clash of thunder, the groans of the giants, the triumphant cries of the gods. It's a chaotic symphony frozen in ink. Curator: I agree, the details create a rich visual experience. Considering Bartoli's artistic and social context certainly enriches how we interpret it. Editor: Absolutely. And for me, it's a vibrant reminder of the enduring power of myth to capture our imaginations.