Midas with the Ears of an Ass 1606

Curator: This is Antonio Tempesta’s “Midas with the Ears of an Ass,” a small etching measuring about 10 by 12 centimeters. The work is currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking how Tempesta renders texture with such fine lines. Look at the satyr’s fur and Midas' robes; the variation is almost tactile. What can you tell us about the story behind this? Curator: The etching illustrates the aftermath of the musical contest between Apollo and Pan. Midas, judging Pan superior, is punished by Apollo who gives him ass's ears. It reflects on the pitfalls of flawed judgment, but also on the power dynamics inherent in artistic patronage and taste. Editor: It’s interesting to consider how the material process here - etching - with its reliance on skilled labor and reproduction, creates a visual commentary on social hierarchies and the consumption of classical narratives. Curator: Absolutely. And understanding the historical context, we can appreciate the work as more than just a mythological scene; it’s a reflection on the role of art within the structures of power of the time. Editor: The level of detail and the medium itself invite a deep dive into both the visual and material world of the artwork.