Poesia 1676

"Poesia" is an engraving created by Richard Collin around the 17th century, a period marked by evolving artistic representations and societal norms. During Collin’s lifetime, European art was deeply influenced by classical ideals and allegorical themes. Collin invokes this artistic tradition in his representation of "Poesia". The male nude stands as a personification of poetry draped in cloth and crowned with laurels. The swan by his side is a symbol associated with the arts and poetry. However, the representation of the male form also intersects with gender and power dynamics of the time. The image perpetuates classical ideals of male beauty, while simultaneously excluding other identities and narratives. The emotional depth and complexity of poetry is embodied in a male figure, thereby prioritizing certain voices. Collin’s “Poesia” is not merely an artistic representation; it’s a reflection of the cultural values, gender norms, and power structures inherent in 17th-century European society.