Artemis, Athena and Aphrodite Leaving Olympus 1543

Antonio Fantuzzi’s 1543 engraving, “Artemis, Athena, and Aphrodite Leaving Olympus,” portrays the three goddesses departing Mount Olympus. The composition is highly complex, with multiple figures arranged in a series of ovals and arches. The central oval depicts the goddesses in the act of leaving, while the surrounding space is filled with other figures, including putti and reclining nudes. The detailed, intricate lines of the engraving create a sense of movement and drama. The work is an example of the influence of the Italian Renaissance, with its emphasis on classical mythology and humanism. The artist’s short life, 1537 to 1545, makes this print especially notable.