Calliope c. 17th century

Editor: So, here we have Charles David's "Calliope," a print, and from what I see, Calliope looks very relaxed, almost like she's paused mid-thought. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a carefully constructed representation of power and knowledge. Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, isn't just a pretty face; her access to knowledge is what makes her an historical figure. David is making a statement about who gets to represent these classical figures. Editor: That's interesting; I hadn't considered the power dynamics. Curator: Consider the male gaze embedded within these representations. How does that affect our understanding of Calliope's role and agency? Editor: This definitely gives me a lot to think about regarding representation and the male gaze. Curator: Exactly! It’s about questioning the narratives and understanding the power dynamics at play.