Scylla Rejected by Minos after Destroying Her Father 1606

Curator: This is Antonio Tempesta's "Scylla Rejected by Minos after Destroying Her Father," an engraving at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Whoa, dark! It feels like a stage play, all tense gestures and theatrical costumes, even though it's tiny, only a few inches wide. Curator: Exactly. Tempesta captures a pivotal moment from classical mythology, highlighting themes of betrayal and political maneuvering. Scylla presents Minos with her father's head, expecting reward, only to be rebuffed. Editor: You can almost hear the silence after she presents the head, like waiting for the other shoe to drop. That cold rejection, captured in Minos's pose, speaks volumes. Curator: The print medium itself is key; the engraving process allowed for wider distribution of such moralizing tales, influencing public perception of power. Editor: Right, it is like he's saying, “There is no honor among thieves—and kings, apparently!” Still gives me the creeps. Curator: It’s a grim reminder of the ruthlessness often masked by heroic narratives. Editor: Well, that just goes to show, even tiny art can pack a huge emotional punch!