Boreas and Orithyia n.d.

Stefano Pozzi created this drawing, Boreas and Orithyia, with black chalk on gray paper during the 18th century. Pozzi lived in an era still captivated by the tales of gods and heroes, but increasingly influenced by Enlightenment ideals. Here, he depicts a scene from Greek mythology: Boreas, the North Wind, abducting Orithyia, an Athenian princess. Yet, the scene resonates beyond a simple mythological retelling. Look closely. Orithyia is not merely a passive victim; her dynamic pose and raised arms suggest resistance. This portrayal invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in such narratives. In Pozzi's time, the representation of women often oscillated between idealized virtue and eroticized vulnerability. This artwork challenges those binaries, presenting a woman caught between force and will. Consider also how the swirling lines and shadowy figures around Orithyia might reflect the social and political tempests brewing during Pozzi's lifetime. The drawing becomes a meditation on power, desire, and the struggles for autonomy. It prompts us to reflect on the stories we tell and the perspectives they often obscure.