Klytia wordt in een zonnebloem veranderd 1720

Louis Surugue created this print depicting Klytia's transformation into a sunflower in the 18th century. It illustrates a story from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The print operates within a complex network of social and cultural meanings. France, during the reign of Louis XIV, saw the flourishing of academies. These institutions shaped artistic taste, promoting classical subjects. The print's dedication to the Duke of Chartres situates it within the system of patronage. The Duke's status as a member of the aristocracy influenced the artist's choices. The Duke was part of the political establishment and the print flatters his cultural taste and promotes the artist’s career. To further understand this artwork, scholars consult historical texts, biographies, and institutional records. This reveals the social conditions that shaped its creation, as well as the cultural values it embodies.