Zondvloed van Deucalion 1589 - 1728

Editor: Here we have Hendrick Goltzius' "Zondvloed van Deucalion," dating from 1589-1728. It's a complex engraving depicting what looks like chaos and devastation. So much is happening; what's your take on it? Curator: It’s interesting how Goltzius, working in the Mannerist style, visualizes the Deucalion myth, right? Beyond the immediate drama of a flood, what social commentaries might he be subtly embedding within this "history-painting"? Who is given preference within the scene? Editor: I see the prominent figures in the center, almost statuesque, standing against what appears to be salvation on a higher mountain top, whereas others around them are struggling. It does speak to certain power dynamics, maybe? Curator: Exactly. Consider the social anxieties of Goltzius's time, a period of religious conflict and political upheaval. The figures represent, among others, salvation through family but this image isn't just about the flood, it’s a commentary on who survives, who leads, and the role of morality. The etching technique itself, with its precise lines and dramatic contrast, how does that add to the message? Editor: The sharp lines really emphasize the musculature and emotional expressions of the figures, highlighting a divide between those "doing" versus those "needing". Curator: The ‘doing’ can also reflect positions of power at that time; what appears as an emotional image of loss and restoration, might symbolize the very real loss of lives based on beliefs and value systems. Do you notice how the landscape isn’t merely a backdrop? Editor: You’re right! The landscape seems to mirror the emotional turmoil, as it rises into the promise of high ground. Thank you! Curator: Always a pleasure to unpack narratives and socio-political implications with a fresh perspective!