Plate 115: The Rape of Caenis (Caenis in virginitatis amißae solatium in virum fortiß.m a Neptuno transformatur), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

Curator: My first impression? Eerie, but kind of mesmerizing in its detail. All those swirling lines give it a really unsettling energy. Editor: You’re right about the energy! The artwork is titled "The Rape of Caenis," plate 115 from Antonio Tempesta’s series based on Ovid’s *Metamorphoses*. Tempesta created it as both a print and an etching around 1606, illustrating a rather dark tale. It resides today at the Metropolitan Museum. Curator: "Rape of Caenis," huh? Well, that explains the unsettling feeling. So, Neptune’s the culprit, I assume? He definitely has that swagger of someone who thinks he’s untouchable. It looks like Caenis doesn’t want any of it. Editor: Exactly. After Neptune rapes her, Caenis asks him to transform her into a man so she'll never have to suffer such violence again. Neptune grants this request, transforming her into a powerful, invulnerable warrior. The Latin inscription reflects that transformation into a stronger, male figure by Neptune as solace for the loss of virginity. Curator: That’s intense! So, in a twisted way, it's about power? Taking it back, becoming invulnerable, literally reshaping identity? It's weirdly empowering considering the beginning. Editor: I find it fascinating how Tempesta visualized such complex trauma. You see Neptune, the horses emerging from the sea, but her transformation… the suggestion of power lies within Caenis herself as much as in Neptune's act. It does offer, in some unsettling way, a form of reclaiming agency within a deeply unjust, patriarchal system. The work invites discussion on violence, power, and what it means to take control of one's narrative when forced into terrible circumstances. Curator: Agency born from trauma… Ugh, still twisted. But, that is Baroque for you. Everything dramatically heightened. Thank you for the added perspectives. Editor: Agreed, it's not easy viewing. I always find something different to see in his vision. Thanks for talking about it with me!