Roof van Ganymedes 1573 - 1580

Etienne Delaune created this tiny engraving, "Roof van Ganymedes," sometime in the 16th century. Delaune lived in a time of religious upheaval and courtly intrigue, and his work often reflected the classical and mythological themes popular among the European elite. This piece depicts the abduction of Ganymede, a Trojan youth, by Jupiter in the form of an eagle. In classical mythology, Ganymede's beauty led to his abduction to Mount Olympus, where he served as cupbearer to the gods. However, the narrative also speaks to the complexities of power, desire, and the objectification of youth. Ganymede embodies an idealized form of youthful beauty, desired and taken by a divine figure. The engraving invites us to consider how beauty, power, and desire intersect within cultural narratives. It encapsulates a moment of transformation and transition, leaving us to ponder the emotional and personal dimensions of the myth.