Juno versiert haar pauwen met de ogen van Argus c. 1636 - 1670

Editor: Here we have Magdalena van de Passe's engraving, "Juno Adorns Her Peacocks with the Eyes of Argus," from around 1636 to 1670. It’s quite a detailed print. I'm really drawn to the dramatic figures, but what’s the bigger picture here? What should viewers take away when encountering this artwork? Curator: It's a compelling example of the politicization of classical mythology during the Baroque era. Consider the context: the Dutch Republic was forging its identity, often looking to classical imagery to legitimize its power. This image presents Juno, a powerful Roman goddess, so it inherently speaks to authority. Editor: Ah, right. So, by depicting Juno, the artist is commenting on power structures of the time? Is she sort of saying the Dutch Republic should aspire to that level of influence? Curator: Precisely. And look closer at the story itself – Juno takes the eyes of Argus, her watchman, and places them on the peacock’s tail. Why do you think Van de Passe chose this specific narrative? Editor: Well, it seems like it could symbolize vigilance, like the eyes watching everything. Was there some societal anxiety around surveillance at the time? Curator: That’s a brilliant observation. The engraving would have circulated among a literate public, potentially sparking conversations about power, observation, and who gets to 'see'. This imagery also relates to patronage – the individuals and institutions who supported and, to some extent, controlled artistic production. Editor: So it's more than just a pretty picture; it's involved in political discourse. I see the print very differently now. Thanks for sharing that insightful context! Curator: And you, for bringing fresh eyes. Thinking about the original viewers changes how we experience art today, wouldn’t you say?