Romulus en Remus door herders gevonden 1676

Editor: This engraving, “Romulus en Remus door herders gevonden” from 1676 by Antoinette Bouzonnet, depicts the myth of Romulus and Remus being discovered. I am struck by the division in the composition—the refined figures on the left versus the shepherds on the right. How do you interpret this contrast? Curator: That’s a very insightful observation. This division isn't just aesthetic; it speaks to the complexities of power, class, and myth-making in 17th-century Europe. Bouzonnet positions the viewer to consider how the foundational narratives we tell are often filtered through very specific social lenses. How might the noble figures represent a desire to legitimize certain bloodlines? Editor: So, you’re suggesting the engraving uses this myth to explore contemporary social hierarchies? Curator: Precisely. The depiction of the “shepherds” might not just be a neutral representation. Consider the artist’s social position: what assumptions might they bring in portraying common folk versus figures destined for leadership? Does this division also reinforce patriarchal structures? Notice how the male figures on both sides are the more active characters, the women are mostly passive bystanders? Editor: That’s true! The women on the left seem almost ornamental, while the shepherds' wives are hidden. It makes you wonder who these stories were really *for*. Curator: Absolutely. The myth of Romulus and Remus serves as an origin story for a powerful empire. Who gets to shape and control the telling of that story wields considerable influence, not just then, but even now. What assumptions do *we* bring when we look at this? Editor: This has really challenged my understanding! I was initially drawn to the aesthetic, but seeing it as a reflection of power structures makes me view it completely differently. Curator: That’s the beauty of art! It allows us to excavate the past, challenge the present, and hopefully, build a more equitable future. It certainly encourages a closer inspection.