Plate 110: Morpheus, as Ceyx, Appearing to Alcyone (Morpheus Ceycis corpus Halcyoni representat), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

Antonio Tempesta's "Plate 110: Morpheus, as Ceyx, Appearing to Alcyone (Morpheus Ceycis corpus Halcyoni representat), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses'" is an etching created in 1606. The print depicts the Roman god Morpheus taking the form of Ceyx, appearing to his grieving wife Alcyone in a dream. This scene is based on Ovid's "Metamorphoses," which details the tragic story of Ceyx and Alcyone, transformed into birds after Ceyx drowns at sea. Tempesta's etching showcases a detailed and dramatic representation of the mythical event, capturing the emotional weight of the moment through expressive figures and intricate detail. This work is a fine example of the artistic tradition of illustrating classical texts, with its use of chiaroscuro and dynamic composition.