Eurydice komt de onderwereld uit 1530 - 1580

This engraving, made by a German artist known only as Monogrammist PS, depicts Eurydice's ascent from the underworld. The artist, whose initials “PS” are inscribed on a rock, invites us to contemplate the classical myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The image gains meaning from visual codes, referencing the art traditions of its time. Produced in the early modern period, likely the 16th or 17th century, this print reflects the era's fascination with classical antiquity, and its myths provided moral lessons. The fact that the artist chose to depict this scene suggests an engagement with themes of loss, love, and the power of art to overcome death. The institutional context of printmaking is crucial here: prints allowed for the widespread dissemination of images and ideas. As historians, we consider the social conditions that shaped artistic production, using archival material and studies in classical literature to interpret the meanings of this art. The interpretation of art is contingent on historical context.