Silenus and the Infant Bacchus; Achilles; Nemesis c. 19th century

Editor: This print by Gaetano Bonatti features Silenus with the Infant Bacchus, Achilles, and Nemesis. They all look so stoic, like Roman ideals of masculinity. What do you see here, especially in light of contemporary theory? Curator: These idealized, masculine forms, presented without context, risk reinforcing a narrow, exclusionary definition of power. How do these figures, rooted in classical mythology, contribute to or challenge contemporary dialogues around gender, race, and the body? Consider, for instance, how interpretations of Achilles have shifted over time, reflecting changing cultural anxieties about strength, vulnerability, and sexuality. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't fully considered! I'm also thinking about the implications of the male gaze. Curator: Precisely. By critically examining the visual language and historical context, we can better understand their complex relationship to contemporary identity politics. Editor: Thanks, that definitely gives me more to think about!