Bellerophon doodt de Chimaera 1642 - 1692

This print, Bellerophon Killing the Chimera, was produced anonymously, and the lack of a creation date makes it hard to pinpoint the specific social forces at play. However, the subject matter allows us to speculate on the cultural role of images like these. Here, the Greek hero Bellerophon, mounted on Pegasus, spears the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster. In its time, this would have been understood as more than just a mythological scene; it visualizes a specific set of virtues. Heroes like Bellerophon embodied courage, strength, and the triumph of order over chaos. The choice to depict Bellerophon likely reflects a desire to connect with classical ideals, emphasizing the importance of heroism. Prints like these circulated widely, shaping popular imagination and reinforcing dominant values. To understand this work better, one could research the dissemination of classical myths in that time. Ultimately, this image serves as a reminder of the power of art to shape social ideals.