77/150

About this artwork

height 104 mm x width 117 mm

Art Historical Context

**Antonio Tempesta's "77/150" (1606)** Antonio Tempesta, a prominent Italian artist of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods (1555–1630), created this etching as part of a monumental series of 150 prints illustrating Ovid's *Metamorphoses*. Published in 1606, plate 77 captures the vivid mythological narratives that fascinated European audiences, blending classical with Tempesta's dynamic. Known for his mastery of animal and scenes, Tempesta infused his works with energetic compositions and dramatic movement, reflecting the theatrical spirit of Baroque art emerging in Rome, where he spent much of his career. Etching, the medium here, was revolutionary for its precision and tonal range, achieved by biting acid into a metal plate. At a compact 104 mm high by 117 mm wide, this print exemplifies how such techniques democratized art, allowing collectors across Europe to own affordable yet intricate reproductions of grand themes. Tempesta's series was hugely popular, influencing later artists and engravers. This piece highlights the cultural bridge between ancient literature and 17th-century visual culture, inviting viewers to ponder timeless tales of transformation amid Tempesta's lively etched lines. A gem for any collection of printmaking history! (178 words)

About the Artist

Antonio Tempesta · 1555–1630

Antonio Tempesta (1555–1630), known as 'Il Tempestino,' was a Florentine painter and printmaker whose extraordinary output of approximately 1,700 etchings made him one of the most influential printmakers of the early Baroque period. Born in Florence and trained under Santi di Tito and the Flemish master Joannes Stradanus, he enrolled in the Accademia del Disegno in 1576 before relocating to Rome i...