Scène uit de Metamorfosen van Ovidius: een maaltijd in een grot 1610 - 1677

Magdalena van de Passe created this engraving titled 'Scene from Ovid's Metamorphoses: a Meal in a Cave', sometime in the early 17th century. Here, Bacchus and his followers are hosted in a cave, feasting. Observe the prominent display of food and drink, symbolizing abundance and communal conviviality, recurring motifs from ancient Dionysian rituals to later Bacchanalian celebrations in Renaissance art. The figure tending to the fire is particularly striking; bent over the flames, this posture echoes images of labor and transformation, reminiscent of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, often depicted in a similar pose. This gesture may connect to the idea of alchemy, the process of transformation, which was very popular during the Renaissance. The motif has morphed throughout time, representing change and inner alchemical transformation. Note the emotional intensity captured here—the joy of feasting and the somber toil of fire tending. The scene resonates with the complex tapestry of human experiences, inviting viewers to engage with the image on a subconscious level. This echoes the cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing with renewed relevance across history.