Mythological Scene c. 17th century

Editor: So, we're looking at Giulio Carpioni's "Mythological Scene." It's difficult to pin down the date, but it's in the Harvard Art Museums. I'm really struck by the energy of it—almost chaotic, with all these figures swirling around. What do you see here? Curator: It's like a fever dream from a bygone era, isn't it? Carpioni clearly loved unleashing a torrent of bodies, pushing classical forms into almost baroque frenzy. It makes me wonder what myth he's hinting at, or is he just after pure, unadulterated dynamism. Perhaps a little of both? What do you think? Editor: That's a great point. It does feel like he is less concerned with narrative and more with capturing the raw energy of it all. Curator: Exactly. It's as if he's saying, "Forget the story, feel the drama!" And that, to me, is where its enduring power lies. A blast of pure, artistic adrenaline.