Thermidor (19 juli – 17 augustus) 1792 - 1794

This is Salvatore Tresca’s “Thermidor”, a print created in the late 18th century, during a time of profound social and political transformation. The central figures are a maiden and a swan, emblems deeply rooted in classical mythology and charged with symbolic weight. The swan, often associated with Aphrodite and Apollo, embodies themes of love, purity, and transformation. Its presence here evokes the tale of Leda and the Swan, a story of divine intervention and metamorphosis. Leda, in Tresca's print, is a symbol of vulnerability and grace. Consider the way the motif of the swan morphs through time. Initially, the swan symbolized divine beauty; in later periods, its connection to the Leda myth resulted in the symbol becoming associated with more sensual themes. Observe how this image engages us on a subconscious level, tapping into deeply ingrained cultural memories. The tenderness between maiden and swan conveys intense emotion, a primal connection resonating through centuries. It represents the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface and evolve, carrying echoes of the past.