Ganymede 1983

Editor: Here we have Barry Flanagan's "Ganymede," a line drawing of a horse's head held in the Tate Collection. Its simplicity gives it a powerful, almost iconic feel. What visual symbols jump out at you? Curator: The horse is a potent symbol across cultures, often linked to virility, power, and freedom. The title "Ganymede" adds another layer, referencing the Trojan youth abducted by Zeus to serve as his cupbearer. Editor: So, are you suggesting Flanagan is equating the horse with Ganymede? Curator: Perhaps Flanagan is exploring themes of beauty, service, and even subjugation through this pairing. The stark lines emphasize the horse’s form, inviting us to consider its symbolic weight. This is more than just an animal; it’s a vessel of cultural memory. Editor: I see the depth now, symbols echoing through time. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, a simple image can be profoundly resonant.