Argonauten bezoeken Phineus en verjagen de Harpijen 1563

René Boyvin made this print, Argonauts visit Phineus, using engraving techniques. It's an image brimming with classical references and clues about the social conditions that shaped its creation. Produced in France, probably in the 16th century, the print depicts a scene from Greek mythology. The Argonauts are shown visiting King Phineus, who is plagued by harpies that steal his food. This wasn’t merely a story for its contemporary audience, but a reflection of societal values and power dynamics. The figures are rendered in a style that recalls classical sculpture, a nod to the Renaissance interest in antiquity. The story itself speaks to themes of justice, hospitality, and the triumph over adversity, ideas valued by the intellectual elites of the time. To fully understand the print, it is crucial to look into the printmaking industry of the time. These prints circulated widely, carrying classical themes into the homes of the rising bourgeoisie, shaping tastes, and disseminating knowledge. We can look into archival records, and studies of classical literature. The image's meaning is always contingent on the social and institutional contexts of its time.