Calisto in Her Retirement Possibly 1778

Curator: Here we have Richard Earlom’s engraving from possibly 1778, titled "Calisto in Her Retirement." It’s a piece residing right here at The Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: The overall impression is undeniably melancholic. The muted tones contribute to a sense of quiet solitude, although, a peeping Tom challenges that claim. Calisto's pose, with her head bowed, and surrounded by putti, suggests a narrative steeped in mythology and loss. Curator: Precisely. This work speaks to shifting attitudes toward mythology during the Enlightenment. Calisto’s story, often associated with female vulnerability and the consequences of transgression, finds a visual counterpoint here. Earlom reproduces a history where women are presented for male viewership but complicates it by calling it "retirement," suggesting her agency after a difficult period of her life. Editor: And note how the formal elements enhance this. The artist’s skillful use of chiaroscuro adds a dramatic intensity, particularly in the contrast between the figures bathed in light and the shadowy woods behind. The textures, created through engraving, gives a unique and striking visual effect with its range of value to describe the folds of the fabric and skin so meticulously. Curator: This print appears amidst rising popular interest in classical stories among aristocratic audiences. It served to enshrine the tastes and collecting habits of wealthy patrons but also spoke to the emerging debates around virtue, sexuality, and visibility of women. Calisto became something of a symbol used in critiques about social and moral standards, often circulated via prints. Editor: It seems the visual language does not simply re-state, but re-evaluates mythological and cultural tropes as well. Consider those putti wading in the water: the details soften the overall austerity. They appear to offer a contrasting tone to the more sombre figure of Calisto. Curator: Indeed, Richard Earlom uses her retirement to critique gender, morality, and spectacle through classical conventions while offering an engaging piece. Editor: A captivating piece where myth and history create tension. It leads us to rethink about representation.