The Death of Procris

c. 1540

after Giulio Romano

(Italian, 1492/99–1546)

Culture

Italy, 16th century

Medium

engraving

Support

Laid paper(discolored to light gray)

Measurements

Sheet: 40.4 x 57.5 cm (15 7/8 x 22 5/8 in.); Platemark: 39.7 x 57.2 cm (15 5/8 x 22 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund 1985.171

Catalogue raisonné

Lewis&Boorsch 5

State

before i/x

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Location

Not on view

Description

In the complicated tale of Procris and Cephalus, told by the poet Ovid (43 BC–AD 17), jealousy tragically thwarts their true love and fidelity. Fearing that Cephalus loves a nymph, Procris spies on her husband while he is hunting. When Cephalus hears Procris rustling in the woods, he mistakes her for game and throws his magical spear that never misses its mark. In this print, the chorus of expressive satyrs and nymphs mourning her death highlights the heartbreaking drama of this love story. Romano’s intricate composition also includes Aurora, the goddess of dawn, in her chariot, and distant buildings that refer to the couple’s home in Athens.