A White Bird Telling Venus of Cupid's Illness

"A White Bird Telling Venus of Cupid's Illness" is an exquisite engraving executed between 1530 and 1540 by the Master of the Die (Italian, active c. 1530-1560). This print is a fascinating example of artistic propagation, derived from a composition by the Flemish artist Michiel Coxcie I, who in turn adapted a design originally conceived by the High Renaissance master, Raphael. The Master of the Die utilized warm brown ink on cream laid paper, a sophisticated medium that allowed for the widespread dissemination of classical forms and mythological subjects across Europe.

The scene depicts Venus, the goddess of love, receiving a message delivered by the titular bird regarding the illness of her son, Cupid. The Die effectively captured the idealized forms, robust figures, and flowing drapery characteristic of the Italian High Renaissance style. The intricate detail found in this print highlights the technical skill required to translate complex compositions into the medium of engraving.

The creation of such prints in Italy during the mid-sixteenth century was critical for sharing influential compositions beyond the original painting or fresco. As a highly trained engraver, the Die played a vital role in transmitting the aesthetic vocabulary of Raphael across media and geographical boundaries. This work, which exemplifies Renaissance mythological subject matter, resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Reproductions of culturally significant works such as this are frequently made available through institutional digital initiatives, contributing to the growing archive of accessible public domain art.