Proserpina Turning Ascalaphus into an Owl - Antonio Tempesta

A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Antonio Tempesta depicting the mythological transformation of Ascalaphus into an owl.

This etching by Antonio Tempesta depicts a moment from Ovid's Metamorphoses, specifically the transformation of Ascalaphus into an owl by the goddess Proserpina. Tempesta, a Florentine artist known for his prolific output in printmaking, captures the narrative with the clarity and dramatic flair characteristic of the early seventeenth-century Italian style. The composition is balanced, placing Proserpina on the left, her gesture of command directed toward the figure of Ascalaphus, who is shown in the process of metamorphosis on the right.

The etching technique employs fine, hatched lines to create shadow and form, providing a sense of volume to the figures and the surrounding rocky terrain. The background features a stylised, swirling atmosphere that suggests the underworld or a supernatural setting, typical of the period's approach to mythological storytelling. The inclusion of the Latin inscription at the base, 'Ascalaphus a Proserpina in bubonem mutatur', confirms the subject matter and aligns with the educational and decorative function of such print series during the era.

Tempesta's work is noted for its technical precision and ability to condense complex literary narratives into a single, readable image. The figures are rendered with a focus on anatomical proportion and expressive gesture, reflecting the influence of Mannerist training while moving toward the more dynamic sensibilities of the Baroque. This print serves as a fine example of the intersection between classical literature and visual art in the early modern period, offering a window into how artists of the time interpreted ancient myths for a contemporary audience. The print is presented here with the crisp detail of the original copperplate, preserving the texture and character of the artist's line work.