Jupiter laat het schild van Theseus smeden door de cyclopen 1655 - 1699

Jean Louis Roullet made this print, "Jupiter laat het schild van Theseus smeden door de cyclopen", sometime in the late 17th century. You see the Cyclops hard at work, hammering away at Theseus's shield. The clang of the hammer and the heat of the forge are almost palpable. Roullet's masterful use of line brings forth not only the muscularity of the Cyclops but also the rich textures of metal. Note the contrast between the brute force of the forging and the refinement of the finished shield. The image is a testament to the skilled labor required to produce such a magnificent object. It’s a reminder that even mythical heroes rely on the expertise and craftsmanship of others. It challenges us to look beyond the heroic narrative and appreciate the artistry and labor that underpin it. By focusing on these making processes, Roullet invites us to consider the broader cultural and social context in which the artwork was produced. This approach allows us to understand the full meaning of an artwork.