Psyché 17th-18th century

Curator: Bernard Picart's "Psyché" presents the mythological figure amidst fantastical beasts, rendered in delicate lines. What strikes you first? Editor: The raw energy. It’s unfinished, alive—like a sketch ripped from a revolutionary's notebook. Curator: Precisely! The grotesque creatures, the eagle and the dragon, echo ancient fears and the unknown, shaping Psyche's inner journey. This visual language persists, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. The struggle against monsters is timeless. It's a metaphor for overcoming societal oppressions. Psyche represents those who challenge the status quo. Curator: The tension between the ethereal Psyche and the earthly monsters is powerful. A reminder of the constant dialogue between our higher and lower selves. Editor: And how marginalized groups continue to be portrayed as monstrous, perpetuating cycles of othering. Curator: The symbols are complex, even contradictory, reflecting the intricate psyche we all share. Editor: Yes, it's a reminder that even mythological narratives are embedded with power dynamics that should be challenged. Curator: Examining the past allows us to see patterns that shape the present. Editor: It is our responsibility to use these historical narratives to fight for equality and justice today.