Venus verzoekt Neptunus te verhinderen dat Telemachus zal landen op Ithaca c. 1719 - 1775

Curator: This watercolor painting, dating from approximately 1719 to 1775, comes to us from the hand of Rienk Keyert. It is currently housed here at the Rijksmuseum. The title? "Venus Entreats Neptune to Prevent Telemachus Landing on Ithaca." Editor: My goodness, it's… intense. A slightly sea-sickening baroque swirl. And is that Neptune driving a chariot pulled by seahorses with *legs*? It's strangely endearing in its over-the-top drama. Curator: Indeed! It depicts a pivotal moment, doesn’t it? Note Venus, high in the sky, her plea to Neptune central to the narrative from Homer’s Odyssey. Consider Neptune's pose, trident held high, ready to unleash his watery wrath. This isn't merely a scene; it’s a convergence of power dynamics. The cherubs as well! They have the symbolism of love. Editor: Power, yes, but also that feeling of… inevitability? The colour palette, washed blues and greens, lends an ethereal, almost melancholic quality. I see Telemachus as more of a pawn than a character with actual power to change anything here. Curator: The colours here can bring on certain feelings, though one thing remains, doesn’t it? We're not just witnessing a divine intervention; we're privy to the emotional undercurrents shaping human destiny. Keyert captured that struggle beautifully. Do you see that inscription on the lower portion of this piece? Editor: I do see it, now. Its funny how different cultures will often change small elements when depicting classical images; its something I really enjoy spotting. It’s almost comforting to find the shared humanity. This Baroque dance continues even now in a way; a story retold and refelt throughout the ages. Curator: A testament to art's enduring capacity to both capture and reimagine these myths that run deep. It seems as though they may change over the centuries, but still manage to feel very real. Editor: An invitation to look beneath the surface, beneath the myth...to where the tides of human drama constantly crash. Thanks for pointing out such beautiful art.