Revenge and Repose: Classical Mythology from the Collection looks at Early Modern prints and drawings with a focus on representing the body. This selection of drawings and engravings highlights different types of figural representation, especially through themes of warfare and passion. Whether it is the torsion of a violent gesture or the inviting repose of a goddess, the artworks show contrasts of bodies at rest with those in action. All things classical were sources of inspiration for Early Modern artists in Italy and Northern Europe, and this selection displays a diverse assortment of mythological subjects—both common and unusual—in works by Ludovico Carracci, Luca Giordano, Jacob Jordaens, Giorgio Ghisi, and others.
Revenge and Repose is part of a new initiative at the Block Museum that gives opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from various departments to curate exhibitions from the collection. It is curated by Joe Semkiu, an undergraduate in Italian and Art History (WCAS ’14).
Support for this exhibition is provided by the Ellen Philips Katz and Howard C. Katz Endowment.