Dood van Hyacinthus 1606

This 1606 etching by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta depicts the death of Hyacinthus, a figure from Greek mythology. The work is titled "Dood van Hyacinthus," which translates to "The Death of Hyacinthus" in Dutch. The print portrays Apollo, the god of music, mourning Hyacinthus, who is lying on the ground with an arrow in his chest. The scene is set in a woodland landscape, with a dog watching the scene in the background. This piece is a fine example of the Mannerist style, a period in which art was characterized by complex compositions, exaggerated figures, and a focus on the beauty of the human form. The etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into Tempesta's artistry and his exploration of classical mythology.