Apollo and Hyacinthus Engraving 1619 Ovid Hyacinth Transformation

Description

Apollo and Hyacinthus engraving, printed in 1619, illustrates an episode from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Its original French caption reads “Hyacinthe en fleur”, referring to the transformation of Hyacinthus into a flower.

The composition shows Apollo supporting the dying Hyacinthus beneath a large tree. Apollo bends towards his companion, whose body rests across the foreground. The figures form the emotional centre of the scene, surrounded by a carefully engraved woodland landscape.

A lyre and bow appear on the right beside the tree roots. Two dogs are shown on the left, while trees, rolling ground and a prominent rocky peak extend into the distance. Fine engraved lines distinguish the foliage, drapery and contrasting areas of light and shade.

French text is printed on the reverse. It recounts the fatal accident during a discus game and describes Apollo attempting to save Hyacinthus. This surviving passage connects the illustration directly with the story it accompanies.

The engraved title remains visible below the image, together with a small signature at the lower left. The sheet therefore retains both its pictorial subject and its original French identification.

Details

• Printing date: 1619.

• Period: seventeenth century.

• Subject: Apollo and Hyacinthus.

• Original caption: Hyacinthe en fleur.

• Literary source: Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

• Technique: intaglio engraving.

• Black ink on paper.

• French text on the reverse.

Condition

The paper is age-toned with scattered small spots and foxing. Minor edge wear and a small loss at the lower left corner are visible. Some reverse text shows through the paper. The printed text on the back is cropped at the upper and lower edges.

The engraved scene and its caption remain clearly readable. Please examine the photographs of both sides for the paper tone, margins and condition.

This Apollo and Hyacinthus engraving will appeal to collectors of classical mythology, early book illustration and historical representations of Apollo.

Description courte WooCommerce — anglais

Apollo and Hyacinthus engraving printed in 1619 from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Captioned “Hyacinthe en fleur” with French text on the reverse. Apollo supports the dying Hyacinthus in a wooded landscape. Age toning, scattered spotting and minor edge wear.