Psyche's Sisters...Persuade Her that a Serpent is Sleeping with Her

"Psyche's Sisters...Persuade Her that a Serpent is Sleeping with Her," created between 1530 and 1540, is an intricate engraving attributed to the Master of the Die (Italian, active c. 1530-1560). The complex lineage of the composition reflects the cross-cultural exchange of the era: the Die based his print on a design by the Flemish artist Michiel Coxcie I, who had, in turn, interpreted the monumental designs of Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael. This layering of influence demonstrates how Italian High Renaissance aesthetics were disseminated across Europe via reproducible prints.

The work is executed as an engraving, utilizing warm brown ink applied to light brown laid paper, which was later laid down onto a secondary cream sheet for preservation. This careful printing process allowed the Die to translate the grandeur of large-scale frescoes and paintings into a smaller, highly detailed format. The subject is drawn from the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche, capturing the dramatic tension as the envious sisters conspire, convincing Psyche that her unseen husband is a terrifying serpent she must prepare to kill.

The Master of the Die, often referred to simply as the Die, was instrumental in popularizing compositions from the Roman school during the Mannerist period in Italy. His practice of adapting influential compositions ensured that these crucial designs remained available and accessible. As a historical document of the print culture of 16th-century Italy, this significant piece is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. While the physical artwork is protected, the long history of prints ensures that such masterworks often enter the public domain.