Apollo en Diana 1735 - 1750

This print, titled ‘Apollo en Diana,’ of unknown date, is an anonymous work. Its creation lies within a rich tradition of classical imagery that has permeated Western art for centuries. Here we see the artist using symbolic language to explore themes of power and beauty, using gods who embody very particular, gendered notions. Apollo, often associated with the sun, music, and reason, is depicted with his lyre, radiating enlightenment. Beside him, Diana, the goddess of the hunt, moon, and wilderness, is represented holding her bow. The arrangement might speak to the cultural values placed on these figures—values that have historically privileged certain attributes over others. These choices reflect enduring, yet evolving, dialogues about gender, identity, and representation in art. The work invites us to consider how classical narratives continue to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.