Jason and the Dragon c. 1663 - 1664

Curator: Here we have Salvator Rosa’s etching, "Jason and the Dragon." Editor: Whoa, the chaotic energy practically leaps off the page! You can almost feel the struggle between Jason and this fearsome dragon. Curator: Indeed. Rosa, active in 17th-century Italy, was known for his emphasis on the drama of the printmaking process, as we see with the frenzied mark-making. He often depicted violent narratives that explored themes of power and heroism, echoing the socio-political anxieties of the time. Editor: It feels like a fever dream rendered in ink. I'm drawn to the way Rosa uses light and shadow to intensify the scene, really playing with the texture of the dragon’s scales and Jason's armor. It makes me consider the cost of heroism. Curator: A crucial insight. He also used etching to democratize access to art, responding to a growing market for prints. Editor: Well, regardless, it’s hard not to feel swept up in the story – the etching has certainly made me think more deeply about the role of storytelling and art. Curator: And for me, the impact of printmaking on 17th century society.