Vignette (Tome 1.er, page 164, lib. II, fab. 15), Jupiter Carries Europa Away, from Les Métamorphoses d'Ovide en Latin et en François de la traduction de M. l'Abbé Banier de l'Académie Royale des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres. Avec des explications historiques. A Paris Chez Despilly rue saint Jacques à la croix d'or. MDCCLXVII. Avec Approbation et Privilège du Roi 1760 - 1770

Curator: This is an engraving by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, created sometime between 1760 and 1770. Its full title is rather a mouthful: "Vignette (Tome 1.er, page 164, lib. II, fab. 15), Jupiter Carries Europa Away, from Les Métamorphoses d'Ovide en Latin et en François…" And so on! Essentially, it illustrates a scene from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Editor: Gosh, that’s a title and a half! It's giving me, like, dreamy Rococo vibes with all those swirling clouds and cherubs, but also… something unsettling. Is it just me, or is there a touch of anxiety in Europa’s face as she clings to that bull? Curator: The anxiety is palpable, isn't it? Think about the broader context: this piece visually represents a core theme in mythological depictions of power and the abduction of women. This isn't merely a scene of love; it's a capture. How do we reckon with such narratives today, acknowledging their historical place but also critiquing the power dynamics they showcase? Editor: Exactly! The whole 'god as animal' thing is… strange. I can’t help but see the creep factor! But the artistry is undeniable. The flow of the lines, the almost ghostly quality of the figures, really pulls you in. Curator: The use of engraving techniques does contribute to that ethereal feel. Saint-Aubin really plays with light and shadow, using fine lines to create depth and movement. Notice how the artist utilizes the surrounding flora in the border of the print. The technique itself mimics that sense of lightness. Considering the rise of bourgeois collectorship during that period, prints like these played an important role. Editor: Definitely! It feels almost… illustrative, you know? Like a snapshot ripped from the pages of a fairytale, dark and romantic all at once. It makes you wonder, what other stories hide beneath the surface? Curator: And indeed, the layers of meaning keep unfolding! By positioning these narratives in our current conversations, we open paths for essential dialogue regarding not just art history, but broader social truths. Editor: You’ve got me thinking about mythology in a whole new light! It is not just for escaping—it is about grappling with it. This little vignette holds so much more than its pretty surface suggests. Curator: Precisely, an artwork inviting conversations that matter, as history should always be in conversation with the present!