Title

Cyparissus der Knab in einen Baum

Period

1550-1600;

Geographic

Ancient Greece

Description

This engraving illustrates the origin story of the cypress tree. There was once a man named Cyparissus, who was incredibly fond of a giant stag that had bejeweled antlers and was friendly to all. Cyparissus and the stag were walking in the woods, when the stag decided to lay down in the grass and enjoy the breeze. By mistake, Cyparissus shot one of his arrows which had fatally wounded the stag. Grieved by his actions, Cyparissus begged the god, Apollo, to allow him to mourn for the stag forever. Apollo granted the request and transformed him into a cypress tree. Cyparissus is illustrated mid-transformation with his legs turning to a tree trunk with branches emerging from his head and his bow in his hands. The stag is illustrated on the ground with the spear plunged into his back, Apollo is depicted kneeling beside Cyparissus.

Image Creator

Virgil Solis (Engraver)

Type

Text

Woodcut Engraving

Identifier

mta:22997

Language

ger

Source Name

P. Ouidij Nasonis, deß Sinnreichen und hochverstendigen Poeten, Metamorphoses oder Verwandlung, mit schönen figuren gezieret, auch kurzen Argumenten und außlegungen erkläret, und in Teutsche Reymen gebracht, durch Johann Spreng von Augspurg [Publius Ovidius Naso, the Ingenious and Highly Understandable Poet, Metamorphoses or Transformations, Adorned with Beautiful Images, and also descriptions of Short Arguments and Explanations, Brought into German Rhymes by Johann Spreng of Augsburg]

Parent Collection

1564 Frankfurt Spreng

Image

mta_22997_OBJ.jpg

Collection

Ovid's Metamorphoses

Subject

Cyparissus

Transformation

Apollo

Gods

Goddesses

Roman Mythology

Greek Mythology