Rembrandt van Rijn
It is Sunday so we continue our special partnership with the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden with this surprising scene. A little boy, abducted by an eagle? What is it about? According to legend, Zeus fell in love with the beautiful youth Ganymede and, assuming the form of an eagle, abducted him to Mount Olympus. Rembrandt developed an innovative and unconventional approach to this mythological theme, creating a painting that is characterized both by high-pitched drama and an element of wit: the main figure is not a beautiful youth but rather a terrified infant.
By showing the child urinating, Rembrandt violated all the conventions of classical history painting. The realistic representation of the fearful toddler, however, which Rembrandt prepared in several sketches, seems to be based on accurate observation in real life.
To all Western Christians: Happy Easter everyone!
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