Theseus and the Minotaur (Minotaurum Theseus vincit), from The Metamorphoses of Ovid (Metamorphosean Sive Transformationum), plate 74 1606 - 1620

Antonio Tempesta created this print, "Theseus and the Minotaur," around 1600 as part of an illustrated edition of Ovid's "Metamorphoses." It depicts the Greek hero Theseus battling the monstrous Minotaur. The image is striking for its time. Tempesta seems less interested in perfect anatomical rendering, and more interested in the drama of the contest. The setting recalls the Roman Colosseum, a space of public spectacle, and reminds us that myths, like this one, are staged for a wide audience, shaping societal values. As an Italian printmaker, Tempesta was part of a booming industry that circulated images widely. These prints provided access to classical stories even for those who couldn't read Latin. By re-imagining Theseus, Tempesta not only retells a story but also reveals how each era interprets and utilizes the past for its own cultural purposes. Delving into the printmaking industry of the 17th century, or even exploring how the myth of Theseus was used in other art forms, can further enrich our understanding of this image. The meaning of art always depends on social and institutional context.