Plate 11: Psyche gives presents to her sisters, from "The Fable of Cupid and Psyche"

Art Historical Context

In the enchanting world of Renaissance printmaking, *Plate 11: Psyche gives presents to her* captures a pivotal moment from the ancient Roman myth of Cupid andche, as retold in Apuleius *The Golden Ass*., the mortal Psyche, unaware of her divine lover Cupid's identity, lavishes gifts on her envious sisters, sowing the seeds of jealousy that propel the fable's dramatic trials. This engraving, part of a larger series *The Fable of Cup and Psyche* produced between 1530 and 1560, reflects the era's fascination with classical stories, blending eroticism, morality, and the supernatural to delight 16th-century audiences. Crafted by the collaborative talents of the Master of the Die (engraver), Antonio Salamanca (publisher), and Michiel Coxie (I) (likely designer), the print exemplifies the precision of copperplate engraving—a revolutionary technique that allowed for intricate details, fine lines, and mass reproduction. Coxie, a Flemish artist influenced by Raphael's grace and emerging Mannerist elegance, infused the composition with dynamic poses and expressive figures, making complex narratives accessible beyond elite paintings. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Harry G. Friedman, 1962), this 7 11/16 x 8 7/8-inch sheet highlights women's roles in mythology—Psyche as both victim and heroine—while underscoring engravings' role in democratizing art during the Renaissance. A timeless tale etched in metal, it invites us to ponder love's fragile illusions.

About the Artist

Master of the Die|Antonio Salamanca|Michiel Coxie (I) · 1525–1560

**Master of the Die** (fl. 1525–1560) was an anonymous Italian engraver and printmaker active primarily in Rome during the mid-16th century. Named for the distinctive small die he used to sign his prints—a tiny emblematic mark that became his moniker—this elusive artist remains unidentified despite scholarly proposals linking him to figures like Benedetto Verino, Giovanni Francesco Zabello, Tommas...