Title

Ein Wolff zu einem Stein

Period

1550-1600;

Geographic

Trachin

Ancient Greece

Description

This engraving illustrates a wolf on the banks of a shore emerging from the waters, attacking a herd of cattle. The wolf is thought by Peleus to have been sent by the Nereid, Psamathe, in punishment for killing his half-brother (and Psamathe’s son), Phocus. Peleus prays to the Nereid in attempt to stop the wolf from ravaging the cattle and the herdsmen. This is illustrated in the background of the engraving, as the sea-goddess is emerged out of the water and Peleus is depicted standing on land facing her. Psamathe does not listen to Peleus’ prayers and allows the wolf to continue ravaging the cattle. Peleus’ wife, Thetis, convinced Psamathe to forgive Peleus and to stop the wolf by turning it into stone.

Image Creator

Virgil Solis (Engraver)

Type

Text

Woodcut Engraving

Identifier

mta:23213

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_23213_OBJ.jpg

Collection

Ovid's Metamorphoses

Subject

Phocus

Peleus

Psamathe

Gods

Goddesses

Roman Mythology

Greek Mythology