Leda en de zwaan 1687 - 1748

Martin Schedel created this print, "Leda and the Swan," sometime between 1677 and 1748, during an era defined by rigid social structures and class distinctions. The story of Leda and the Swan, a popular subject in art, tells of the rape of Leda by Zeus disguised as a swan. In Schedel’s rendering, the composition is rife with mythological figures and erotic overtones, reflecting a voyeuristic gaze common in the artistic interpretation of the myth. What does it mean to depict the violation of a woman by a god as a scene of beauty? The almost nonchalant presentation of the story obscures the violence inherent in it. This piece invites us to consider the historical power dynamics that allowed such narratives to persist, and to reflect on how these stories shape our understanding of consent, power, and gender today. While the scene may seem distant, its implications continue to resonate, challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths about our cultural narratives.