Alcmene and the Birth of Hercules from Ovid’s Metamorphoses

Description

Alcmene childbirth engraving depicting the legendary birth of Hercules is an early seventeenth-century illustration inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The scene shows Alcmene lying in bed as attendants gather around her during childbirth. The image is titled “Accouchement d’Alcmene” in the printed cartouche. It is a compelling subject for collectors interested in classical mythology, early printed illustrations, and antique European engravings.

In the story, Alcmene is the mother of Heracles, known in Roman mythology as Hercules. The birth is delayed through the intervention of Lucina, the goddess associated with childbirth. Galanthis, a servant of Alcmene, helps bring the episode to its conclusion through a trick. The figures and setting in this print present the dramatic moment as a domestic scene, with the attendants’ gestures drawing attention to Alcmene and the events around her bed.

The composition belongs to the long tradition of illustrating Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Ovid’s poem recounts transformations and mythological episodes from the ancient world, and it became a popular source for artists and publishers in Europe. Printed illustrations helped readers follow the stories and gave visual form to scenes that might otherwise have been difficult to imagine. This Alcmene childbirth engraving is a small, intimate example of that tradition.

The scene is catalogued as an illustration for Book IX of the Metamorphoses. A related illustration is recorded in a Paris edition published in 1619, with the collection of images attributed to Jean Mathieu. That reference places the composition in the early seventeenth century. The precise date of this individual impression should be treated with care: it has been described as dating from 1622, but the edition and exact printing date have not been independently confirmed. The safest dating for the listing is therefore circa 1620 or early seventeenth century. catalogue.bnf.fr

The title cartouche is an important feature of the print. Its French wording identifies the subject directly and preserves the historical language used in the original publication. Printed text is also present on the reverse of the sheet, consistent with a page taken from a book or illustrated publication. The reverse text adds documentary interest and connects the image to the printed narrative.

The sheet measures approximately 17.8 × 13.3 cm. The engraved image measures approximately 13.6 × 11 cm. These measurements make the print suitable for a small frame, a cabinet display, or an album of antique prints. The margins and reverse text should be considered when choosing a frame or mount. A conservation-minded presentation with archival materials would help preserve the paper.

This antique Alcmene childbirth engraving will appeal to collectors of Ovid, Hercules, Greek and Roman mythology, seventeenth-century book illustration, and early European prints. It may also interest readers and collectors who focus on the visual history of childbirth in art. The subject combines a well-known mythological figure with a detailed narrative scene and an original French title.

The print is offered as an antique illustrated sheet. Please examine the photographs for the visible appearance of the paper, printed image, title, and reverse text. The photographs form part of the description and should be consulted alongside the stated measurements. The sheet is sold unframed.

A distinctive early printed image of Alcmene and the birth of Hercules, this engraving brings together classical literature, mythology, and the history of book illustration. Its modest size makes it easy to display, while the title and reverse text give it a strong connection to its original printed context. It is an appealing historical print for a mythology collection or for anyone drawn to early illustrated editions of Ovid.