Triomf van Amphitrite 1738 - 1815

This is Francesco Bartolozzi’s delicate etching "The Triumph of Amphitrite." Bartolozzi, an Italian artist who spent much of his career in London, was working during a period of immense social and political change. Here, we see Amphitrite, a goddess of the sea, amidst a procession of sea creatures and figures. The emphasis on classical subjects during this period reflects a broader interest in the perceived order and harmony of the ancient world, set against the backdrop of the enlightenment. The female figures are idealized. Their nudity invites us to consider the politics of viewing and representation. Are they symbols of beauty and power, or objects of male gaze? Bartolozzi was part of a cultural moment that was slowly beginning to question traditional gender roles, even while it upheld many of the power structures of the past. The image evokes a sense of wonder, but also prompts us to reflect on the historical context in which ideals of beauty and power were constructed.