Ariadne 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this print, "Ariadne," capturing a sculpture now thought to be Cleopatra, amidst the 18th-century rediscovery of classical antiquity. Piranesi's work existed in a time when the Grand Tour was popular. Educated Europeans, often wealthy men, traveled to Italy to study its ancient art and architecture. The image presents a reclining female figure, draped in classical garb, her posture suggesting a state of repose. She is depicted as both powerful and vulnerable. This engraving highlights how women, especially in mythology and history, were represented through the male gaze. It emphasizes their beauty and passivity while subtly erasing their agency. Piranesi invites us to reflect on how historical narratives are constructed. The image prompts us to consider the complex layers of gender, power, and representation, and how they shape our understanding of the past. It encourages us to critically examine the stories we tell about women in history and mythology.