Plate 8: The Rebirth of Mankind (Reparatio generis humani), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

Antonio Tempesta's "Plate 8: The Rebirth of Mankind (Reparatio generis humani), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses'" (1606) is a masterful etching that depicts the Roman poet Ovid's myth of Deucalion and Pyrrha, the sole survivors of a great flood. The image shows Deucalion and Pyrrha fleeing from the temple of Themis, where they had been instructed by the goddess to throw stones behind them, which would become the first humans. The etching captures the moment of rebirth and renewal, showcasing the power of art to translate ancient literature into visual form. The dramatic composition and expressive figures are characteristic of the Baroque style, which emphasized movement and emotion. This etching is a significant example of Tempesta's work, illustrating his skill in capturing the dramatic narratives of ancient myths.