Plate 69: Cephalus and Aurora (Cephalum amore perditißimo prosequitar Aurora), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

Antonio Tempesta's etching, "Plate 69: Cephalus and Aurora (Cephalum amore perditißimo prosequitar Aurora), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses'" (1606), depicts the Roman goddess Aurora pursuing Cephalus, a mortal man she is infatuated with. The scene, set in a wooded landscape, conveys Aurora's fervent pursuit of her love interest, who seems hesitant to reciprocate her feelings. Tempesta's dynamic composition and intricate detail make this etching a fine example of Baroque printmaking, showcasing the dramatic and emotional intensity of the story from Ovid's "Metamorphoses."