Ixion op het rad 1655 - 1700

Cornelis Bloemaert created this print, Ixion op het rad, sometime between 1603 and 1684, rendering a scene of eternal punishment from classical mythology. Bloemaert was working during a period when the Dutch Republic was asserting its cultural identity, often through reinterpretations of classical themes. Here, Ixion, a figure from Greek mythology, is strapped to a perpetually spinning wheel in the underworld. His crime? Attempting to seduce Hera, the queen of the gods. The image isn't just about moral transgression; it's a commentary on power, desire, and divine retribution. We see Ixion’s naked body, vulnerable and exposed, a symbol of his utter defeat. The dark, swirling lines create a sense of unending torment. It's impossible not to consider how gender and power intersect here: Ixion's attempted transgression against a powerful woman results in his eternal suffering, a cautionary tale about the consequences of challenging patriarchal structures. Consider the emotional weight of this image – the endless pain, the loss of control, and the haunting reminder of societal boundaries.