Centaur and Triton Fighting c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jusepe de Ribera's "Centaur and Triton Fighting." It’s a small etching, only about 4x6 inches, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I feel the struggle. It’s so raw, so visceral. The centaur, pinned down, the triton looming…it’s a power dynamic frozen in ink. Curator: Ribera, deeply influenced by Caravaggio, often depicted violent subjects. This work reflects the Baroque period's interest in dramatic narratives and the exploration of human, or in this case, mythological, struggle. Editor: There's a real tension between classical ideals and the gritty realism. You've got these mythical beings, but they're caught in a very human, very messy brawl. It feels like something unearthed from a forgotten corner of the psyche. Curator: The printmaking process allowed for wider dissemination of his art, and thus these images could influence broader audiences and their understanding of classical myths through a contemporary lens. Editor: It’s amazing how much intensity he captured in such a small space. It makes you wonder what demons Ribera himself was wrestling with. Curator: Indeed, food for thought. Editor: Absolutely.