Semiramis c. 18th century

Curator: This is Jean Pelletier’s “Semiramis.” Though undated, Pelletier was active in the 18th century, a period deeply invested in classical themes. Editor: The stark lines of the engraving create a sense of restrained drama. The architectural setting appears grand, yet the figures seem almost trapped within its rigid frame. Curator: Indeed, the story of Semiramis, a powerful queen who seized the throne, raises questions about gender and authority in that era and even now. Was her ambition celebrated or condemned? Editor: Looking at the materials—the metal plate, the ink, the paper—it makes me wonder about the printmaking process itself. How did Pelletier’s labor translate this complex narrative into such a precise, reproducible image? Curator: I find myself pondering the enduring relevance of Semiramis' narrative within the broader history of female leaders and their ongoing struggle for recognition and power. Editor: And for me, the image sparks questions about how we continue to value craftsmanship and artistry in an age dominated by mass production.