Jupiter and Io c. 18th century

Curator: This engraving, "Jupiter and Io," is by Remi Henri Joseph Delvaux and is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It feels dramatic, almost theatrical, with the figures emerging from swirling clouds. The light and shadow create such a stark contrast. Curator: The story comes from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Jupiter, to hide his affair with Io from his wife Juno, transforms Io into a heifer, hence the rising into clouds. The visual language presents women in vulnerable positions. Editor: Interesting. I’m drawn to the composition itself—the diagonal lines of the clouds create movement, and the positioning of the figures guides your eye. Delvaux really understands the formal aspects of his craft. Curator: I agree, the artist certainly captures the drama inherent in the mythological narrative but such stories told visually are always from a patriarchal perspective. It's important to consider how such images reinforce social hierarchies. Editor: Indeed. It's a powerful piece, even if its themes are not exactly progressive by today’s standards. Curator: A strong example of mythological interpretations of the time and its complicated legacy, certainly.