Apollo in de smidse van Vulcanus 1688 - 1700

Arnold Houbraken created this print, "Apollo in de smidse van Vulcanus," sometime between 1670 and 1719. The artwork invites us into the world of classical mythology. Here, we see Apollo, god of music and light, visiting Vulcan, the blacksmith of the gods. Note how Apollo’s traditionally feminine features are at odds with his muscular physique. Houbraken challenges the conventional representations of masculinity by embedding a certain androgyny into the image of a powerful god. Vulcan is shown working at his forge, crafting tools and weapons, his face worn with labor. This depiction can be understood within the context of the 17th-century Dutch society, which was marked by increasing social stratification and the rise of a merchant class. The print creates an emotional tension between the ethereal beauty and authority of Apollo and the earthly toil of Vulcan. It encourages us to contemplate the relationship between power, labor, and beauty, inviting a deeper reflection on societal values and the roles we play within them.