Pelias Killed by his Daughters (Dont par pitié elles prennent courage son sang vider par violent outrage...), from "Jason and the Golden Fleece"

Art Historical Context

This engraving captures a dramatic moment from Greek mythology, illustrating the tragic death of King Pelias at the hands of his own daughters. Part of a series depicting the adventures of Jason and the Golden Fleece, the scene shows the princesses, deceived by Medea, boiling their father in a cauldron under the false promise of renewed youth. The French inscription hints at their misguided pity and the violent act that follows, underscoring themes of deception and fate central to the ancient tale. Created in 1563 by engraver René Boyvin after designs by Leonard Thiry, the work reflects the refined printmaking traditions of 16th-century France. Engravings like this one allowed intricate mythological narratives to reach wider audiences beyond painted canvases, serving both as art objects and educational tools during the Renaissance. The detailed line work and balanced composition highlight the technical precision of the medium, transforming a violent episode into a visually compelling print measuring just over six by nine inches in the plate. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of drawings and prints, this piece exemplifies how artists of the period blended classical stories with contemporary craftsmanship to explore human folly and ambition.

About the Artist

René Boyvin|Leonard Thiry · 1525–1580

French, Angers ca. 1525–1598 or 1625/6 Angers