Plate 99: The Death of Orpheus (Orpheus a Bacchis discerpitur), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

This etching by Antonio Tempesta from 1606 depicts the mythological scene of Orpheus' death, as described in Ovid's "Metamorphoses." The scene shows Orpheus, the legendary musician, being torn apart by the Maenads, frenzied female followers of the god Bacchus. Tempesta masterfully captures the violence and chaos of the scene, emphasizing the contrast between Orpheus's helpless plea and the Maenads' brutal aggression. The etching is a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of classical mythology and the enduring power of art.