Paolo and Francesca 

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres created this pencil drawing, Paolo and Francesca, sometime in the early 19th century. It portrays a scene lifted from Dante’s Inferno. Ingres, deeply rooted in the academic tradition, frequently drew inspiration from literary sources. In this image, we see Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta sharing an illicit kiss, interrupted by Francesca's husband, who is also Paolo’s brother. It’s interesting to consider the dynamics of desire and power at play here. Ingres, working in a period that was deeply entrenched in patriarchal norms, presents a narrative where female desire is punished, and where the transgression of social boundaries leads to tragedy. What can we say about the representation of women in this artwork, and the ways in which their stories are often framed by male perspectives and moralities? The tale is one of forbidden love and betrayal, yet, it also serves as a commentary on societal expectations, family honor, and the tragic consequences of violating such norms.