A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Antonio Tempesta depicting the mythological scene of Medea manipulating the daughters of King Pelias.

This etching by Antonio Tempesta depicts a dark episode from Greek mythology, specifically the tale of Medea and the daughters of King Pelias. Tempesta, a prolific printmaker of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, demonstrates his command of narrative composition and classical iconography in this work. The scene captures the moment Medea manipulates the Peliades, convincing them to commit parricide under the guise of a restorative ritual.

The visual arrangement is structured to guide the viewer through the unfolding drama. Medea stands centrally, her posture and gesture directing the attention of the daughters toward the sleeping king. To the left, a cauldron sits amidst flames, referencing the deceptive magic Medea employs to lure the sisters into her scheme. In the upper left corner, a small chariot drawn by dragons appears, signalling Medea's supernatural origins and her eventual escape.

Tempesta utilises a precise, linear etching technique to define the figures and the architectural setting. The hatching provides volume to the drapery and depth to the interior space, while the expressions of the figures convey the tension of the narrative. The inclusion of the Latin inscription, 'Medea Peliades in parricidium stimulat', at the base of the print, confirms the subject matter and aligns with the tradition of didactic print series common in the seventeenth century. This work reflects the artist's interest in classical literature and his ability to condense complex mythological sequences into a single, readable image. The print is an example of the technical skill and narrative clarity that defined Tempesta's output, making it a representative piece of his contribution to the print culture of the period.