Triumph of Galatea c. 18th century

Editor: So, this is Bernard Picart’s "Triumph of Galatea". It's an early 18th-century engraving. It feels… celebratory, almost theatrical. What statements do you think Picart is trying to make here? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the power dynamics. Galatea, a sea nymph, is depicted in triumph. But what are we meant to feel about this triumph, knowing the myths often portray female figures as objects of desire or revenge? Does Picart subvert those narratives? Editor: That’s a great point. It makes you wonder if he’s celebrating female power or simply re-inscribing existing tropes. Curator: Exactly. And think about the context of the early 18th century, a time of shifting social structures. How might this image have been interpreted then, versus how we see it today? Editor: That's definitely something to keep in mind. I will think about this artwork and period with new eyes. Curator: Agreed! The work invites us to question prevailing narratives, which is a triumph in itself, isn’t it?