Latona Avenged c. 18th century

Curator: This is Noël Le Mire's "Latona Avenged," a print held at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first about this piece? Editor: Honestly, the frogs. The whole scene has a sort of dark fairytale vibe. Like something out of the Brothers Grimm, but with more refined lines. Curator: Indeed. Note how Le Mire uses contrasting light and shadow to dramatize the transformation, which is rooted in Ovid's "Metamorphoses." The crispness of the figures gives the scene a dynamic tension. Editor: I love that the artist found a way to capture such a bizarre scene. The cold-hearted peasants turning into frogs, Latona’s appeal for justice... It's like a Renaissance meme come to life. Curator: The scale shifts are quite interesting. Latona is rendered with classical grace, while the peasants are far more grotesque. Editor: Agreed. It's both unsettling and captivating. This print reminds us that even in the most terrible of circumstances, art can still be amazing. Curator: A fitting summary. Le Mire's mastery is in full display here.