Jupiter in de gedaante van Amphitrion by Alcmene (Original Title) 

Editor: This is Jan Luyken's drawing, "Jupiter in de gedaante van Amphitrion by Alcmene." It appears to be an ink and wash drawing. It feels rather… theatrical, with all the figures and the swirling composition. How do you interpret this work, especially considering the narrative it depicts? Curator: What strikes me is the potent intersection of power and vulnerability within the depiction of this classical myth. Luyken situates Jupiter's deception—disguising himself as Alcmene’s husband—within a visual framework laden with cherubs and heavenly light, effectively masking a narrative of sexual exploitation. Do you see how the seemingly innocent, even celebratory, composition normalizes a profound violation of consent? Editor: I hadn’t considered it in terms of exploitation. I was focused on the mythological aspect, but now that you mention it, Jupiter's disguise is inherently problematic. Is Luyken commenting on power dynamics here, or is this just a reflection of the values of his time? Curator: It’s likely both. The Baroque era often used classical narratives to explore contemporary social and political themes. Consider the male gaze inherent in the depiction of Alcmene—she’s presented as passively receiving Jupiter, reinforcing patriarchal structures. Examining art like this through a feminist lens reveals how deeply ingrained these power imbalances are. Editor: So, by understanding the historical context and applying contemporary theories, we can uncover uncomfortable truths about the artwork and the society that created it. I see the piece in a completely different way now. Curator: Exactly! It's about recognizing how art both reflects and perpetuates cultural norms, inviting us to critically engage with narratives that might otherwise seem harmless. And this ultimately helps us have informed conversations about power, consent, and representation in our own time.