Psyche Telling Her Misfortune to Her Sisters

Psyche Telling Her Misfortune to Her Sisters is a significant 16th-century engraving created by the Master of the Die (Italian, active c. 1530-1560), who worked after a design by Flemish artist Michiel Coxcie I, itself inspired by the compositions of the High Renaissance master Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael. Executed between 1530 and 1540 in Italy, this print is a compelling example of the era's reproductive arts. The detailed technique is visible in the application of warm brown ink on cream laid paper, showcasing the Die’s skill in translating monumental compositions into the intimate medium of engraving.

The narrative centers on the mythological story of Psyche, depicted here lamenting her plight to her two jealous sisters who encouraged her betrayal of Cupid. The dramatic figure arrangement and classical drapery reflect the enduring influence of Raphael’s compositions, specifically those designed for the Farnesina, which were disseminated widely across Europe through accessible media like high-quality prints. This piece demonstrates how Northern and Southern European artists adapted the grandeur of Roman Renaissance painting to a format suitable for private study and collection.

As a crucial print from this period in Italy, the work provides important documentation of artistic cross-pollination and the enduring legacy of the Raphael school in Mannerist production. This image is now held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the quality of the engraving ensures that this historical interpretation remains a valuable resource for students of prints and classical mythology, often available for scholarship through public domain resources.