Dansende Hermaphroditus 1770

"Dansende Hermaphroditus" is an engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi. Made during a time when classical ideals were being revived, it presents a figure drawn from ancient mythology whose dual-gendered nature challenges conventional norms. Consider the cultural context of Bartolozzi's time, when gender roles were strictly defined, and ideas about sexuality were often repressed. In this light, the image of Hermaphroditus becomes a powerful statement. The figure's androgynous beauty invites us to question the boundaries of gender and desire. Are we looking at a celebration of fluidity, or is the figure's ambiguous identity a source of discomfort? How might Bartolozzi, working within the constraints of his era, use mythology to explore questions of identity and difference? "Dansende Hermaphroditus" exists as both a classical reference and a challenge to the status quo. The artwork encourages us to reflect on the personal and societal dimensions of identity.