Venus ascending to Olympus c. 1677 - 1680

Curator: This etching, "Venus ascending to Olympus" by Gérard de Lairesse, feels so airy and light. The fine lines create a sense of movement. Editor: The technical skill here is clear. But let's consider Venus's story. Here she is, seemingly rising above the earthly realm. How does this ascent relate to the historical constraints placed on women’s bodies and desires? Curator: Certainly. The apple she holds alludes to the Judgement of Paris, a pivotal moment of divine competition fuelled by male desire. The etching normalizes a male gaze that objectifies female beauty. Editor: I see the cupid as more than decoration. His presence underscores the commodification of love and the male control of female destiny. Curator: Agreed, those production choices—etching, a medium reproducible for a wide audience—spread certain ideals throughout that society. Editor: By examining the materials and subject, we can see how art reinforces and interrogates social norms. Curator: Precisely, the power of critical engagement.