The Wedding of Mopsus and Nisa
1570
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1570
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This crowded scene shows a wild forest wedding with oddly dressed people. A bride and groom stand under a twisted tree, surrounded by musicians, dancers, and a goat-headed figure. The background has a village with a church spire and winding paths, while the ground is littered with scattered fruit and a half-eaten pig. The title hints this isn’t a real wedding—it’s a story with hidden meaning. The strange mix of humans, animals, and nature suggests a lesson about love or fate. Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists like this made detailed prints.