Proserpina Gives Psyche the Box of Beauty

Proserpina Gives Psyche the Box of Beauty is an engraving created between 1530 and 1540 by the Master of the Die (Italian, active c. 1530-1560) after Michiel Coxcie I (Flemish, 1499-1592), who was in turn inspired by Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael (Italian, 1483-1520). This complex lineage demonstrates the highly interconnected nature of artistic dissemination across Europe during the 16th century.

Executed using the intaglio technique, the work is printed in warm brown ink on cream laid paper, showcasing the intricate detail achievable through sophisticated printmaking processes. Created during a period when Italian High Renaissance styles were heavily influencing northern European masters, this print exemplifies the swift transmission of classical ideals and compositions via reproducible media. The Die, whose identity remains partially obscured, was highly successful in translating monumental, multi-figure compositions into fine line art suitable for wide distribution.

The piece illustrates a pivotal, dramatic moment in the mythological story of Cupid and Psyche, chronicling the task given to Psyche by Venus. Here, Proserpina, Queen of the Underworld, entrusts the weary Psyche with a sealed box intended to contain a portion of Persephone's beauty for the jealous goddess. The delicate handling of form and the emotional clarity of the mythological narrative confirm the enduring quality of this work. This print resides in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, making the image widely accessible for study. As a public domain masterwork, the enduring importance of Die’s interpretive skill continues to influence subsequent generations of artists and art historians studying 16th-century Italian prints.