The Creation of Man 1606

Editor: This is Antonio Tempesta’s "The Creation of Man," a small etching. Adam looks almost fearful, surrounded by all these animals. What strikes you about it? Curator: It is tempting to read this literally, but let’s consider the power dynamics here. Who gets to define "man," and what are the implications of that definition excluding others? Editor: So, you’re saying it’s not just a religious scene? Curator: Precisely. Tempesta's work enters a conversation about who has authority, and how that authority shapes our understanding of the world. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Curator: It makes you consider the lasting impacts of these historical portrayals, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely. It’s more complex than it appears on the surface.