Rijksmuseum's Metamorphoses Exhibition Explores Ovidian Myths Through Centuries of Art

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam presents 'Metamorphoses,' a major exhibition examining how artists across centuries have interpreted Ovid's mythological poem. Curated by Frits Scholten, the show juxtaposes Renaissance masterpieces with contemporary works, grouping them by the myths they depict. Louis Finson's 1611 painting 'The Four Elements' confronts visitors with chaotic imagery of creation, while Constantin Brâncuși's 1911 marble 'Promethee' and Ana Mendieta's 1981 photograph 'Birth (Gunpowder Works)' explore themes of indeterminacy. Auguste Rodin's 1884/96 sculpture 'La Terre' represents formless mass. Later galleries address violent transformations, featuring works like a copy of Michelangelo's 'Leda and the Swan' (after 1530), Antonio da Correggio's 'Jupiter and Io' (c. 1531–32), and Hendrick Goltzius's 1603 painting 'The Sleeping Danae Prepared to Receive Jupiter.' Juul Kraijer's 2016 photograph 'Untitled' offers a contemporary perspective. The exhibition includes Bernini's 1620 sculpture 'Sleeping Hermaphroditus' and Ulay's 1973–74 Polaroid series 'S'he,' which explores gender expression. Other notable works include Caravaggio's 'Narcissus' (1597–98), Titian's 'Danae' (1552), and Jean-Léon Gérôme's 'Pygmalion and Galatea' (1890–92). The show runs through May 25 at the Rijksmuseum's Amsterdam location.