Cephalus en Procris 1660

Jan van Ossenbeeck created this small engraving entitled ‘Cephalus and Procris.’ The composition is simple yet powerful. Note how Ossenbeeck uses the stark contrast of light and shadow to direct our eyes. On the left, Procris is seated in the shade, while on the right, Cephalus stands in the light. This division underscores the tragedy unfolding in the Ovidian myth, where Cephalus accidentally kills his wife, Procris, with a javelin. The dense cross-hatching of the engraving technique creates a rich texture, emphasizing the figures' emotional weight. Observe how Cephalus's gesture seems to accuse rather than console, challenging our understanding of grief and remorse. Ossenbeeck destabilizes conventional representations of mythological narratives. It encourages us to question the fixed meanings and power dynamics inherent in classical stories. The formal elements of light, shadow, and line converge to disrupt narrative expectations, inviting us to reinterpret this tragic encounter anew.