The Death of Procris
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
In the complicated tale of Procris and Cephalus, told by the poet Ovid (43 BC–AD 17), jealousy tragically thwarts their true love and fidelity. Fearing that Cephalus loves a nymph, Procris spies on her husband while he is hunting. When Cephalus hears Procris rustling in the woods, he mistakes her for game and throws his magical spear that never misses its mark. In this print, the chorus of expressive satyrs and nymphs mourning her death highlights the heartbreaking drama of this love story. Romano’s intricate composition also includes Aurora, the goddess of dawn, in her chariot, and distant buildings that refer to the couple’s home in Athens.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionSimilar works
The Death of Procris; Cephalus mournig the death of Procris on the right surrounded by Cupid and mourning satyrs and nymphs, the goddess of dawn in her chariot in the background
The triumph of love, cupid riding a chariot drawn by unicorn is in the upper right, naked figures fill the composition; a proof impression
Amphinomus and Anapias save their parents from the fire of Catania
Cupid in the Elysian Fields tied to a tree in the centre, surrounded by many figures
John the Evangelist and John the Baptist
Allegory of Winter