Venus vliegt naar de Olympus 1675 - 1680

Editor: So, here we have "Venus vliegt naar de Olympus," or "Venus flying to Olympus," an engraving from 1675-1680 by Gerard de Lairesse. I'm immediately struck by how light and airy it feels, despite the classical subject matter. It's delicate, almost whimsical. What draws your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: You know, it's interesting you say that. Whimsical! I agree! It feels less like a grand mythological pronouncement, and more like… a fleeting daydream. What gets me are the lines. Lairesse was a master of the burin; he could evoke such softness with just a few precisely placed marks. He almost makes the sky seem tactile. And that apple she holds… It’s the prize of beauty, sure, but I also see it as almost playful. I mean, what happens *after* she gets to Olympus? Does she share? Or does she cause more chaos? Editor: That's a wonderful question! It really does open it up. It isn't just about her arriving, but also her effect on the realm of the Gods! Curator: Exactly! It is all so deliberately… unfinished. In that way the artwork captures the inherent potential for change, that every 'before' implies an 'after'. How different from those incredibly posed and stiff mythological oil paintings, isn’t it? He really makes you wonder about her impact! Do you find it successful? Editor: Absolutely! I think focusing on the questions and ambiguities, rather than a clear narrative, really brings it to life. The whimsy invites a second look and even a touch of humor. It is accessible. Curator: Yes, I love how he allows a goddess and us mere mortals to meet for tea. Editor: Definitely seeing that too, now!