Pluto 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching of Pluto in the 18th century, a period rife with the rediscovery of classical antiquity and its themes. This work presents Pluto, the god of the underworld, in a way that both echoes and subtly challenges classical representations. The themes in this work are centered around power and the negotiation of identities. The emotional tension arises from the dual portrayal of dominance and vulnerability. The god is traditionally a figure of dread, yet the artist has shown him with an unexpected vulnerability, sitting almost casually in his chariot, accompanied by a dog. The three-headed beast pulling the chariot reflects the traditional representation of power and menace. Piranesi’s artistic choice to include it invites consideration of how power is performed and perceived. Pluto’s figure, while muscular and imposing, seems almost contemplative, hinting at the burdens and loneliness of leadership. Ultimately, this piece invites us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of identity, questioning what it means to embody power.