Xenocrates and Phryne 1811

Carl Russ created this plate, *Xenocrates and Phryne*, using etching. The scene depicts the philosopher Xenocrates resisting the charms of Phryne, a courtesan, while onlookers observe. The narrative highlights the perceived dichotomy between male intellect and female sexuality, set against the backdrop of ancient Greece, which was a foundational culture for European social and philosophical values. Russ was working at a time when the art world was rapidly modernizing. The tradition of depicting women as either virtuous or temptresses continued to be pervasive. Here, Phryne is rendered as the archetypal seductress whose beauty is a threat to male rationality. The story reinforces prevailing gender roles and stereotypes and serves to perpetuate female objectification. The composition invites viewers to consider the power dynamics inherent in the gaze, who is watching whom, and what that implies about control and agency. The artist’s choices not only reflect his cultural milieu but also reinforce the complex interplay between desire, morality, and the social construction of identity.