Queen Ino and the Husbandman (La reine Ino fait gâter la semence d'un an partout...), from "Jason and the Golden Fleece"

Art Historical Context

Behold *Queen Ino and theman (La reine Ino fait gâter la sem d'un an partout..., a captivating 1563 engraving from the series *Jason and the Golden Fleece*. Created by Flemish artist Leonard Thiry, with engraving by French master René Boyvin, it a pivotal moment from ancient Greek mythology. In the story, the scheming Queen Ino—jealous of her stepson Athamas—bribes a husbandman to spoil an entire year's seed supply, sparking famine and advancing her murderous plot. This print vividly captures the tension of betrayal amid rustic fields, blending classical myth with 16th-century Northern European flair. Thiry's design reflects the elegant Mannerist style of the Fontainebleau School, characterized by elongated figures, intricate details, and dramatic narratives that popularized ancient tales during the Renaissance. Boyvin's precise engraving technique—using burin on copper plate—allowed for rich tonal contrasts and fine lines, making these prints affordable reproductions of grand artistry. Measuring about 6¼ × 9 inches on the plate, it exemplifies how engravings democratized art, spreading mythological lore across Europe. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Herbert Mitchell, 2008), this work highlights the era's fascination with heroic quests and moral intrigue, inviting us to ponder timeless themes of deceit and destiny.

About the Artist

Leonard Thiry|René Boyvin (French|Netherlandish) · 1525 | –1598 |1550

French, Angers ca. 1525–1598 or 1625/6 Angers|Netherlandish, active Fontainebleau ca. 1536–1550