Cadmus Tilling the Field Where He Sawed the Dragon's Teeth 1540 - 1545

"Cadmus Tilling the Field Where He Sawed the Dragon's Teeth" is an undated etching by Antonio Fantuzzi, now in the Metropolitan Museum. The intricate lines and detailed figures create a scene teeming with activity and tension. Dominating the composition are the robust oxen, their forms rendered with a remarkable attention to musculature and texture, pulling a plough through the earth. Fantuzzi masterfully uses line to create depth and drama. Notice how the parallel lines of the etching technique not only define shapes but also contribute to the overall texture, creating a dynamic surface. The strong diagonal lines guide the eye, drawing us into the narrative, while the crowded composition evokes a sense of chaotic energy, reflecting the mythological subject matter. This print destabilizes traditional representations of classical narratives by infusing them with a raw, almost frantic energy. Fantuzzi uses his medium to explore the inherent tensions within the story, inviting viewers to consider the disruptive forces at play. The very act of etching, with its potential for infinite reproduction, mirrors the themes of sowing and generation present in the myth, transforming the artwork into a site of ongoing cultural and philosophical inquiry.