The Dragon Devouring the Companions of Cadmus 1588

Hendrick Goltzius's 1588 engraving "The Dragon Devouring the Companions of Cadmus" depicts a gruesome scene from Greek mythology. The monstrous, winged dragon, with its serpentine body and sharp claws, is shown in the act of devouring the companions of the hero Cadmus, who is depicted in the background. The detailed anatomy of the dragon and the exaggerated musculature of the victims create a sense of violence and terror. Goltzius's mastery of engraving is evident in the intricate details, from the scales of the dragon to the texture of the flesh and the flow of blood. This powerful image demonstrates the artist's ability to capture the dramatic and the grotesque in equal measure.