Jonge man met panfluit 1679 - 1728

This is Jean-Baptiste de Poilly's engraving, “Young Man with Pan Flute,” made sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. During this time, French art was often aligned with the monarchy and classical ideals, favoring depictions of beauty, heroism, and mythological themes. Here, we see a semi-nude young man seated upon a rock, a pan flute at his side, against an idyllic landscape. The sensuality and idealized form of the figure reflect the aesthetic values of the era. But what does it mean to portray a young man in such a way? What narratives about masculinity and desire are being constructed? Is the artist celebrating the male form, or is there something else at play? Consider how our own contemporary values shape our reading of this image. How do you feel about the image? Is it a celebration, or something more problematic?