Midas with Apollo and Pan

Lepautre employs a dual process of etching and engraving, allowing for fine line work and varied tonal depth. The interplay of incised lines and etched washes creates a textured sense of space, guiding the eye toward the figures and emphasizing the dramatic atmosphere typical of late‑Baroque printmaking.

Created in 1676, the print reflects Lepautre’s prolific output as a French engraver of the 17th century. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is documented in several European print collections, attesting to its circulation among connoisseurs of mythological imagery during the period.

The depiction draws on classical mythology, a common source of inspiration for Baroque artists who sought to convey emotional intensity and movement. By juxtaposing divine and mortal characters within a rugged landscape, Lepautre aligns with contemporary trends that merged narrative content with elaborate natural settings.