Leda and Swan (Ex Libris)

Medium: Etching
Dimensions: 5 x 4 7/8 inches
Signature: Signed
Artist details: Russian, 1959
Date finished: 2010
Edition: of 60

Recommended by Nikki (Fine Print Photographer & Content Publisher):
"This tiny etching is expertly crafted by Eastern European artist, Vladimir Zuev, to illustrate the story of Leda and the swan (aka, Zeus pretending to be a swan). Zeus seduces or rapes Leda, depending on the storyteller. Zeus fills the background, but subtly, despite his violent action. Instead, Zuev centers the story on Leda and does not overly sexualize her like most popular depictions, including not giving her hair. There are clues to her gender, but she is closed off to the viewer with her crossed legs and bent arms - not available for visual consumption. Instead, Leda is looking directly at the viewer - forcing us to look at her humanity.  

This image serves as a reminder that violence towards women is still prevalent, but not just in overt actions. It exists in the books we read, the media we consume, the words we use, the stories we retell, the art we purchase. This small image packs a very large punch and reminds us to critically analyze our own behaviors and constructs of thinking around women and violence."