Paris and Oenone 

Agostino Carracci made this print, titled "Paris and Oenone," sometime in the late 16th century. It depicts a scene from classical mythology, but it also speaks to the cultural values of its time. Carracci worked in Bologna, Italy, an important center for art and learning. Bologna was home to one of the first universities in Europe, and it was a hub for the study of classical literature and mythology. The Carracci family, including Agostino and his cousins Annibale and Ludovico, founded an art academy that challenged the prevailing Mannerist style. They advocated for a return to classical principles of balance, harmony, and naturalism. The image conveys the kind of idyllic love scene that would have appealed to elites. It is a scene of sensuality, but also of educated leisure. By studying the historical context and the social function of art in Carracci's time, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which art reflects and shapes the values of society.