The Incantation of Medea
1563
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
René Boyvin
René Boyvin (1525–1598) was a French artist, born in Angers.
See the richer artist page1563
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Incantation of Medea is a 1563 ink by René Boyvin, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving is packed with strange, swirling scenes. In the center, a woman with wild hair stands over a dark forest, her arms raised like she’s casting a spell. Around her, tiny figures—some winged, some holding tools—float or crouch in odd corners. The edges are full of faces peeking from frames, like a crowded stage. The woman’s drama is the main show, but the details around her tell another story. The forest looks haunted, and the little figures might be spirits or helpers. The whole thing feels like a storybook come to life, all crammed into one picture. If you like this mix of weird and detailed, try learning about engraving.
René Boyvin (1525–1598) was a French artist, born in Angers.
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