Nuptials of Thetis and Peleus c. 18th century

Curator: This engraving, "Nuptials of Thetis and Peleus," was created by Giovanni Ottaviani, who lived from 1735 to 1808, and now resides at the Harvard Art Museums. It strikes me as a rather serene depiction of a wedding. Editor: Yes, but the image hints at a larger, perhaps unsettling narrative. We need to consider whose stories are being told here, and from whose perspective. Thetis, a sea nymph, is being forced into marriage. Curator: Indeed, social and political forces are at play in this depiction. The wedding becomes a transaction, solidifying power structures and familial alliances. Editor: Exactly. And the depiction of the figures themselves reinforces these hierarchies. Consider their poses, their clothing – or lack thereof in Peleus’ case – and how these visual cues speak to power dynamics. The composition, seemingly harmonious, actually underscores a forced union. Curator: It is a reminder that art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Editor: Precisely. Examining the social context provides a richer understanding of the work’s implications.