Cephalus besluit op jacht te gaan 1547 - 1612

Philips Galle created this engraving entitled 'Cephalus besluit op jacht te gaan' in the Netherlands in the late 16th century. The print illustrates a scene from Ovid's Metamorphoses, where the hero Cephalus decides to go hunting. Galle was a key figure in the artistic and intellectual life of Antwerp during the Dutch Golden Age. His workshop produced prints for a wide range of clients, from wealthy elites to religious institutions. Galle's engravings often drew on classical mythology and history, reflecting the humanist culture of the time. The choice of a circular format, or tondo, and the detailed landscape setting, reflects the influence of Italian Renaissance art. Prints such as these played an important role in disseminating knowledge and shaping cultural values in early modern Europe. By studying the imagery and symbolism in Galle's work, and researching the historical context in which it was produced, we can gain insights into the social and intellectual world of the Dutch Golden Age.