Ganymede and the Eagle c. 1710

Antonio Montauti created this bronze sculpture, "Ganymede and the Eagle", in the early 18th century. At this time, the stories of Greek Mythology served as a means to explore themes of eroticism and power dynamics, especially within elite circles. Here, Ganymede, a Trojan youth known for his beauty, is being abducted by Zeus in the guise of an eagle. The sculpture beautifully renders Ganymede's ambiguous expression. Is it fear, or is it a kind of serene acceptance? This moment, immortalized in bronze, speaks to the complex interplay of desire and vulnerability, raising questions about consent and agency. Such depictions often served to normalize and aestheticize male relationships, reflecting the social norms and power structures of the period. This sculpture offers a lens through which we can consider how historical representations continue to shape our understanding of sexuality and identity.