Catullus Reading his Poems at Lesbia's House 

Lawrence Alma-Tadema painted "Catullus Reading his Poems at Lesbia's House" in the late 19th century, depicting a scene from ancient Rome. At its heart, the image showcases the dynamic between the poet Catullus and Lesbia, his muse. Note Lesbia’s languid pose on the lectus, or couch, fanning herself as the poem washes over her. This posture echoes through art history, appearing in countless depictions of Venus and other reclining figures. The fan she holds, far from being a mere accessory, has long symbolized aristocratic status, harking back to ancient Egyptian royalty. This is not so different from the scepter held by kings as a symbol of dominion. Here, the collective memory of such gestures evokes a powerful emotional state: the complex interplay between desire, power, and artistic inspiration. In its non-linear, cyclical progression, this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.