Scilla in ein Meerthier

Title

Scilla in ein Meerthier

Period

1550-1600;

Geographic

Ancient Greece

Description

This image illustrates Scylla being transformed into a sea monster. Scylla was a beautiful young woman who had been sought out by many men. After being rejected by Scylla, the sea-god Glaucus was enraged. He had sought the help of Circe, a goddess skilled in herbs and potions, to help Scylla fall in love with him. Circe had become infatuated with Glaucus, and when he rejected her due to his affection for Scylla, Circe had become jealous as Glaucus preferred Scylla over her. To exact revenge, Circe concocted juices and herbs to transform Scylla into a monster. The engraving illustrates many hounds surrounding Scylla, who are now a part of her body. Glaucus is visible in the background of the engraving shocked at Scylla’s transformation.

Image Creator

Virgil Solis (Engraver)

Type

Text

Woodcut Engraving

Identifier

mta:23332

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_23332_OBJ.jpg

Collection

Ovid's Metamorphoses

Subject

Scylla

Glaucus

Circe

Transformation

Gods

Goddesses

Greek Mythology