Myrrha in einen Baum

Title

Myrrha in einen Baum

Period

1550-1600;

Geographic

Ancient Greece

Description

This engraving illustrates Myrrha transforming into a tree. She had asked the gods for a punishment for her actions of engaging in incestuous affairs with her father and getting pregnant. Her wish was granted, and she transformed into a tree. Her tears turned to sap, and that is how the word myrrh came about. The baby that was in her womb continued to grow even after she turned into a tree. One day, Myrrha’s bark split open and the goddess Lucina and Naiads came to the child’s aid and pulled him from the tree. They are depicted in the engraving surrounding Myrrha in her transformed state.

Image Creator

Virgil Solis (Engraver)

Type

Text

Woodcut Engraving

Identifier

mta:23198

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_23198_OBJ.jpg

Collection

Ovid's Metamorphoses

Subject

Myrrha

Transformation

Incest

Lucina

Gods

Goddesses

Naiads

Roman Mythology

Greek Mythology