Phyllis and Aristotle

Phyllis, whip in hand, mounts philosopher Aristotle like a horse. His eyes and compromising position connote his lustfulness and complete submission to Phyllis. She physically overpowers Aristotle, who is partially hidden by her voluminous skirts that cascade over his body and envelop him, insinuating her sexual dominance.

At the time this print was made, the story of Phyllis and Aristotle was framed as a cautionary tale for men of the dangers of powerful, and assumed to be scheming, women. In the story, an emperor becomes infatuated with Phyllis. When Aristotle forces him to abandon his love for the sake of the empire, Phyllis seeks revenge on Aristotle by using her charm and beauty to attract him. Aristotle falls under her power, surrendering to her by adopting a submissive position through manipulation and transformation.

This image of Phyllis and Aristotle illustrates the perceived threat posed by a dominatrix: the ability to make men look a fool, thus upending gender hierarchies.