Plate 140: The Trojan Ships Changed into Nymphs (Berecynthia AEneae classem in Nymphas transformat), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

Antonio Tempesta created this etching, "The Trojan Ships Changed into Nymphs," inspired by Ovid's "Metamorphoses." Tempesta, living in a time of religious conflict and political upheaval, turned to classical mythology. Here, we see the goddess Berecynthia transforming Trojan ships into nymphs to save them from destruction. The composition reflects the patriarchal structures of the time, with male figures observing the magical event, while a goddess figure instigates the transformation. Consider how Tempesta uses the female form as a symbol of salvation and protection during a time of conflict and uncertainty. The emotional resonance lies in the hope for deliverance amid chaos, using mythology to explore themes of identity, change, and the power of the divine in human affairs. This piece invites us to reflect on the transformative potential of both art and myth.