Melpomene 1592 - 1667

This anonymous engraving, titled "Melpomene", depicts the Greek muse of tragedy, Melpomene, seated and holding a scroll. Created between 1592 and 1667, the artwork features a detailed, stippled style that lends a sense of depth to the figure. The subject matter, combined with the dramatic pose of the muse, reflects the themes of tragedy and classical mythology popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. The engraving is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, a testament to the enduring legacy of this important genre within the history of art.