Verzameling der goden op de Olympus 1774

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print, entitled *Verzameling der goden op de Olympus*, which translates to *Collection of Gods on Olympus*, sometime in the 18th century. Chodowiecki lived during the Enlightenment, a period where intellectual exchange was highly valued, and his position as a French Huguenot in Berlin afforded him access to diverse social circles. The print depicts classical deities lounging amidst fluffy clouds, but more than just a scene of mythological figures, Chodowiecki offers a glimpse into the social codes of his time. The near-nudity of the figures, rendered with delicate lines, suggests a fascination with the classical form, yet their arrangement hints at the social hierarchies inherent in the Enlightenment’s aristocratic salons. Consider how gender dynamics play out here: the goddesses, while powerful, are also objects of the male gaze. Chodowiecki’s work invites us to reflect on how ideals of beauty and power were constructed and circulated in 18th century Europe. It is both a celebration of classical ideals and a subtle commentary on the era’s social mores.