Ceres Ordering Erysicthon's Punishment 1606

Editor: This is Antonio Tempesta's "Ceres Ordering Erysicthon's Punishment," a small etching. The scene feels epic despite its size. What do you make of Ceres's commanding presence here? Curator: Her gesture is indeed striking! She's perched high, literally above the fray, a goddess dispensing divine retribution. The multi-headed dragon pulling her chariot is a nice touch, no? Tempesta uses that tight hatching to create real drama. Editor: It's so detailed! I almost missed the tiny figure chopping down the tree below. Curator: That's Erysicthon, sealed for a life of unending hunger as punishment. It's a morality tale, really, about respecting nature's bounty. That feels relevant still, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. It's amazing how much story he packs into such a small space. I will keep that in mind in my own work. Curator: Indeed.