Jupiter and Io c. 17th century

Editor: This is Frans van der Steen's "Jupiter and Io," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The soft, smoky lines create a dreamy mood. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: The metamorphosis of Jupiter into a cloud, obscuring his form, speaks volumes. Clouds often symbolize divine presence or concealment. Io, gazing upwards, represents mortal desire and vulnerability. Do you see how the bull at her feet anchors the scene? Editor: Yes, the bull feels very grounded compared to the ethereal cloud. Curator: It’s a visual anchor, linking Io to her earthly fate and Jupiter's transformation. The artist uses these symbols to portray the push and pull between divine power and human consequence. Reflect on how similar themes echo through art history. Editor: That's fascinating. I’ll definitely look for that in other works now.