Diana and Endymion; Illustration to Ovid's "Metamorphoses" c. 1767

Curator: Augustin de Saint-Aubin's rendering of "Diana and Endymion," an illustration for Ovid's "Metamorphoses," presents us with a scene steeped in classical mythology. Editor: It’s an evocative scene; the subdued grays and delicate lines give it a dreamlike quality. What do you notice first? Curator: Endymion's languid pose, and the figure of Diana descending from the heavens. Her gaze, so often interpreted as love, to me speaks more of power dynamics inherent in immortality. Editor: I see Diana’s chariot, drawn by horses, as a symbol of relentless pursuit, and the cupids surrounding her, reminders of love’s capricious nature. Curator: It's interesting to frame the narrative through a contemporary lens, observing the power imbalance and the complexities of consent. Editor: I appreciate your perspective. For me, it illuminates how symbols shift and resonate across time. Curator: Indeed. This piece offers a compelling dialogue between past myths and present understandings.