The Misfortunes of Cephalus c. 1520 - 1522

"The Misfortunes of Cephalus" is a fresco by Bernardino Luini, a prominent Italian painter of the High Renaissance. Dating back to 1520-1522, the artwork depicts a scene from Ovid's Metamorphoses, which tells the story of Cephalus, a hunter who accidentally kills his wife Procris. Luini's composition portrays Cephalus in a lush landscape, engaging in conversation with another figure. The scene is imbued with a soft, lyrical quality characteristic of Luini's style, echoing the influence of his mentor, Leonardo da Vinci. The painting showcases Luini's mastery of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.