Statue of Amphion and Zetus Tying Dirce to the Bull 1641

Curator: This print by Giacomo Lauro depicts Amphion and Zetus tying Dirce to a bull. The scene is intense, violent even. What strikes you about it? Editor: It feels very classical, but with a strong undercurrent of brutality. What's the story behind this scene, and why depict it so graphically? Curator: This is about power, retribution, and gender dynamics. Dirce, the wife of Lycus, cruelly persecuted Antiope, the mother of Amphion and Zetus. The sons avenge their mother through a similarly cruel death. It speaks to the ways historical narratives have justified violence, particularly against women, for perceived transgressions. How do we contextualize such imagery today? Editor: It's a disturbing image, but understanding the social context makes me think about the legacy of violence and how it's represented. Curator: Exactly. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, revenge, and the often-silenced voices of those who suffer.