Bellerophon and Chimaera c. 6th century

Curator: This ivory panel, measuring about 8 by 3 inches, depicts the Greek myth of Bellerophon slaying the Chimera. Its origin is unknown. Editor: It feels almost frantic. The composition is so busy, with all these figures crammed into a small space. It makes me think of the power dynamics at play. Curator: Precisely. Bellerophon, on Pegasus, represents the aristocracy subduing the monstrous Chimera, a symbol often interpreted as the lower classes or foreign threats. The visual language reinforces existing power structures. Editor: Right, and we see these stories repeated throughout history. It prompts questions about who gets to define 'monster' and whose stories get told. Curator: Indeed. Consider the object’s likely original context: perhaps adorning a religious object or belonging to a wealthy family, reinforcing their social standing through art. Editor: Recognizing these embedded narratives helps us confront the biases in our historical understanding, even within such a small artwork. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple images are loaded with complex social and political meaning. Editor: Exactly. This panel encourages us to confront the narratives we perpetuate, even today.