Jupiter And Antiope 

"Jupiter And Antiope" was painted by Luca Giordano sometime between 1634 and 1705. Giordano was an Italian late-Baroque painter. Here, we see the sleeping Antiope, vulnerable and unaware of the god Jupiter, who is about to take advantage of her. What does it mean to paint a scene where a woman is being taken advantage of, and to present it as beautiful? The sensuality of Antiope’s body, juxtaposed with Jupiter’s less than handsome features, highlights the imbalance of power in the story and the painting. The cherubs surrounding the scene seem to act as witnesses. Giordano's painting prompts us to consider the perspectives often left out of historical narratives, especially those of women. It encourages us to critically examine the stories we tell and the values we uphold.