Scene from Voltaire's "Oedipe" c. 1771

Curator: This is Jean Charles Levasseur’s engraving, "Scene from Voltaire's 'Oedipe'," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. The crisp lines and dramatic composition give it an immediate sense of theatrical intensity. Editor: Absolutely. The expressions feel heightened, almost operatic. It makes me think about the power dynamics at play in the story itself. Curator: Voltaire’s "Oedipe," of course, reinterprets the ancient Greek tragedy. Levasseur captures a moment of high tension, likely a confrontation or revelation central to the narrative. Editor: How does the print's visual language reflect the intersectional themes present in the play: power, fate, gender roles? Oedipus is facing his truth and the consequences. Curator: This print offers a fascinating glimpse into the popularization of classical narratives through 18th-century visual culture. It’s also interesting to consider the role of imagery in shaping public perceptions of these stories. Editor: I'm struck by how a seemingly straightforward image can open up discussions about history, gender, and the narratives we inherit.