The first two reliefs on the fourth car (Festival of Bacchus) - Jupiter appearing before Semele as the god of thunder; her child, the new-born Bacchus, put in a bath. (Fol. l verso) 1499

Editor: This small print, "The first two reliefs on the fourth car (Festival of Bacchus)," depicts a scene of Jupiter and Semele and the birth of Bacchus. It looks like the story is split into two parts. What can you tell me about the cultural context of this image? Curator: Well, it’s fascinating to consider this piece as an early form of visual storytelling, reflecting and reinforcing societal power structures of the time. Note how Jupiter’s divine authority, even in destruction, is centered, while Semele is more of a static figure. How might the visual language here normalize male dominance and female passivity within mythological narratives? Editor: That's a really interesting way to think about it; I was just looking at the figures. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely. Examining these images through a critical lens helps us understand their cultural impact and how they shaped perceptions of power and gender.