Alecto laat een slang in de borst van Amata bijten 1628 - 1682

Jean Lepautre created this etching, "Alecto laat een slang in de borst van Amata bijten", in the 17th century. The scene, inspired by Virgil's Aeneid, depicts Alecto, a vengeful Fury from the underworld, inciting Queen Amata to madness with a venomous snake. The image's power lies in its visual codes. The opulent Baroque interior, typical of the French court at the time, contrasts sharply with the chaos Alecto unleashes. This juxtaposition comments on the fragile social order, susceptible to passions and manipulations. Lepautre was associated with the court of Louis XIV and his engravings often served as propaganda, reinforcing the king's authority by illustrating the dangers of discord. Understanding this work fully requires delving into the political and cultural context of 17th-century France. We could research the court's patronage of the arts, the role of classical literature in shaping social values, and the ways in which images were used to construct narratives of power. The history of art institutions is key to unlocking such meanings.