Pan and Selene 1605

Hans von Aachen painted 'Pan and Selene' in a time when artists often explored classical myths to reflect contemporary social and political dynamics. In the painting, we see the moon goddess Selene seemingly resisting the advances of Pan, a figure symbolizing untamed nature. The work allows us to consider questions around power and consent. Selene's pale skin and vulnerable posture contrast sharply with Pan's darker, muscular form, highlighting the gendered dynamics at play. We have to ask ourselves, what does it mean to depict a female deity in a state of potential coercion? Interestingly, Aachen was working in a courtly environment where such mythological scenes were often veiled commentary on the relationships between rulers and their subjects, or perhaps even personal reflections on desire and control. Ultimately, the painting invites us to consider the complex interplay between mythology, gender, and power within its historical context.