Proserpina verandert Ascalaphus in een uil 1606 - 1638

This etching by Antonio Tempesta, titled "Proserpina verandert Ascalaphus in een uil" depicts the Greek myth of Ascalaphus, who was transformed into an owl by Proserpina for breaking his oath of secrecy. Created between 1606 and 1638, the artwork portrays the moment of the transformation. The detailed lines create a sense of drama as Proserpina points her hand towards Ascalaphus, who is beginning to take on the form of an owl. The composition captures the divine power of Proserpina, while the transformation of Ascalaphus into an owl highlights the consequences of breaking an oath. This etching, housed in the Rijksmuseum, stands as a testament to Tempesta's skill in depicting mythological narratives with a powerful and dramatic flair.