River gods consoling Peneus for the Loss of his Daughter, Daphne, from "Story of Apollo and Daphne"

Art Historical Context

This engraving captures a poignant moment from the ancient myth of Apollo and Daphne, as recounted in Ovid’s Metamorphoses River gods gather to console the river deity Peneus after his daughter Daphne, fleeing Apollo’s pursuit, transforms into a laurel tree. Created between 1530 and 1560, the print belongs to a series illustrating the full story, blending classical narrative with Renaissance sensibilities. The work reflects the collaborative practices of the period, with Baldassare Tommaso Peruzzi—known for his architectural designs and frescoes in the circle of Raphael—likely providing the composition, while the anonymous Master of the Die executed the engraving. The medium allowed intricate line work to convey both the flowing drapery of the figures and the emotional weight of the scene, making mythological subjects widely accessible beyond elite patrons. Such prints played a vital role in disseminating classical stories and artistic innovations across Europe during the 16th century. Today, this example in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection highlights how Renaissance artists reinterpreted ancient tales to explore themes of transformation, loss, and the enduring power of nature.

About the Artist

Master of the Die|Baldassare Tommaso Peruzzi · 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...