A Woman Collecting Blood from a Sheep, from "Ex Antiquis Cameorum et Gemmae Delineata/ Liber Secundus/et ab Enea Vico Parmen Incis"

Art Historical Context

This intriguing engraving, published between 1599 and 2, reproduces an ancient cameo or gem design as part of the volume *Ex Antiquis Came et Gemmae Deline*. Created in collaboration by Enea Vico, Battista Franco, and others, it belongs to a series that brought classical antiquities to wider Renaissance audience through print. The small plate captures a striking scene of a woman collecting blood from a sheep, surrounded by figures, weapons, and musical instruments—elements likely drawn from the original gem’s composition. Such images often alluded to ancient sacrificial rituals or mythological narratives, reflecting the classical world’s fascination with themes of life, death, and ceremony. Vico’s precise engraving technique translates the subtle relief of carved stone into crisp lines, preserving fine details for scholars and collectors who could not access the originals. As part of the Metropolitan Museum’s collection of prints, this work highlights the vital role of reproductive engravings in the early modern period. They served as both artistic records and educational tools, bridging ancient craftsmanship with contemporary interest in classical culture.

About the Artist

Francesco Angeloni|Battista Franco|Philippe Thomassin|Enea Vico|Anonymous, Italian, 16th century (Italian|Italian|French|Italian|Italian) · 1559 |1510 |1562 |1523 |1500 –1652 |1561 |1622 |1567 |1600

Terni 1559 or 1587–1652 Rome|Italian, Venice ca. 1510–1561 Venice|French, Troyes 1562–1622 Rome|Italian, Parma 1523–1567 Ferrara|