Topographies of imagination : exploring light, body, and meaning in the myth of Endymion and Selene

This contribution explores the representation of the myth of Endymion and Selene in specific artworks from the Global North (especially by Pier Francesco Mola and Anne-Louis Girodet de Roussy-Trioson), focusing on the interplay between light, body, and meaning. The study uncovers the complexity and evolution of Endymion’s character, influenced by changing cultural and artistic contexts. It delves into the spatial dimensions of imagination, symbolic associations, semiotics of light, and evolving ideals of masculinity, emphasizing the importance of interpreting the myth through a topographic perspective. Furthermore, it examines how cultural norms and spatial constructs challenge established conventions, introducing disruptive elements within familiar narratives. Endymion’s portrayal as a passive figure bathed in Selene’s light serves as a focal point for exploring themes of desire, castration symbolism, and the objectification of the male body that reflects broader shifts in artistic sensibilities and cultural norms.