The Rape of Ganymede by Jupiter in the guise of an eagle carrying him into the heavens, his dog barking below 1542

Nicolas Beatrizet created this engraving, "The Rape of Ganymede by Jupiter," sometime in the 16th century. Beatrizet was working during a period of artistic revival. Classical myths were ripe for artistic interpretation, though often filtered through the prevailing societal norms. Here, we see Ganymede, a Trojan youth, being abducted by Jupiter, who has transformed himself into an eagle. The image encapsulates themes of power and desire. Ganymede's limp body, his vulnerability, contrasts sharply with Jupiter's forceful grasp, raising questions about consent and agency. Note the dog barking helplessly below; a symbol of earthly bonds broken by divine intervention. Beatrizet presents a narrative that was well known at the time, yet the emotional complexity of the scene – the loss, the violation, the shift in power – still resonates. The myth raises questions about the nature of love, power, and the stories we tell about gods and men.