Medea kookt magische kruiden in een ketel voor Aeson 1563

René Boyvin made this print, Medea Cooking Magic Herbs in a Cauldron for Aeson, using engraving techniques, most likely in France, sometime in the second half of the 16th century. The image illustrates a scene from classical mythology and offers a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. Boyvin's detailed rendering of the scene creates meaning through cultural references and visual codes. The print shows Medea, a sorceress, rejuvenating Aeson, Jason's father, using a potion of magic herbs. This story, drawn from ancient Greek mythology, reflects the Renaissance interest in classical learning and its integration into contemporary art. The presence of classical figures and architectural elements emphasizes the cultural value placed on the classical past. A study of the artistic conventions, social structures, and intellectual currents of 16th-century France would enable us to understand its complex relationship with the past and the politics of imagery. The Rijksmuseum's collection database as well as other archives will help you explore those themes further.