Jupiter en Alcmene c. 1537 - 1555

Cornelis Bos created this engraving titled "Jupiter and Alcmene" sometime in the 16th century. During the Renaissance, mythological narratives were often vehicles for exploring themes of power, desire, and morality. Bos presents Jupiter, the king of the gods, disguised as Alcmene's husband, embracing her. This depiction exists within a long history of representing female mythological figures as objects of male gaze and desire. What does it mean when the woman has no agency and the male power is unlimited? The story of Alcmene is not just a tale of divine seduction; it's a narrative that touches on the complexities of consent, power imbalances, and the female experience. It invites us to reflect on the stories we tell about gender, agency, and the lasting impact of mythological narratives on cultural values.