Artwork
Cephalus and Procris
Cephalus and Procris is an ink print by the Baroque artist Laurent de La Hyre. It dates from 1626 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Cephalus and Procris is an etching on laid paper created by Laurent de La Hyre in 1626. The work depicts a scene from classical mythology.
Subject & Meaning
The etching illustrates a tragic moment from Ovid's stories: Cephalus's accidental killing of his wife Procris with a hunting spear. The scene is rendered in a subdued and naturalistic manner.
Technique & Style
La Hyre employed etching, possibly combined with drypoint, to achieve the image. The work reflects the artist's association with the neoclassical style of Parisian Atticism, characterized by a restrained and classical approach.
History & Provenance
Laurent de La Hyre, a French Baroque painter from Paris, created the etching in 1626, early in his career. La Hyre was known for his contributions to the neoclassical style.
Artist & collection
Artist
Laurent de La Hyre (French pronunciation: ; 27 February 1606 – 28 December 1656) was a French Baroque painter, born in Paris. He was a leading exponent of the neoclassical style of Parisian Atticism.
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