Sorrow and Pain Punishing Psyche

Sorrow and Pain Punishing Psyche is a masterful engraving executed between 1530 and 1540 by the Master of the Die (Italian, active c. 1530-1560). This complex print follows a design by the Flemish artist Michiel Coxcie I, who, in turn, drew inspiration from the monumental compositions of Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael. Classified as a print, the work utilizes sophisticated engraving techniques rendered in warm brown ink on cream laid paper, demonstrating the quality of draftsmanship prevalent in Italy during the early to mid-sixteenth century. This specific piece resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The engraving vividly captures a dramatic moment from the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche. As a reproductive print, the work showcases the ability of Die to translate the original design into a reproducible format while maintaining the dynamic tension and classical idealism inherent in the Raphaelesque style. Printmaking was vital in disseminating Renaissance motifs across Europe, and engravers like Die served as crucial conduits for the spread of Humanist iconography.

The influence derived from Raphael’s workshop is evident in the idealized figures and the robust, muscular forms adapted from classical sculpture. The meticulous execution and detailed modeling enhance the theatricality of the composition. Though based on earlier models, this print remains a key example of Mannerist print production in Rome. Historical prints such as this often reside in the public domain, ensuring scholars and enthusiasts around the globe can access and study the enduring impact of Italian Renaissance art.