Alcyone discovers the dead body of her husband Ceyx and attempts to throw herself off a cliff into the sea. Line engraving with etching by William Woollett after Richard Wilson, 1769.
- Wilson, Richard, 1713-1782.
- Date:
- 31 July 1769
- Reference:
- 46779i
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Description
In Greek mythology, Ceyx was the son of Eosphorus and the king of Thessaly. He was married to the demi-goddess Alcyone (Halycone). When he perished at sea, his wife threw herself from the rocks. Out of compassion, the gods changed them into the halcyon birds
Publication/Creation
London (Green Street, Leicester Fields) : William Woollett, 31 July 1769.
Physical description
1 print : line engraving, with etching ; image 39.6 x 53.4 cm
Lettering
Ceyx and Alcyone from an original picture in the possession of Ryland & Bryer. R. Wilson pixt. Londini. Wm Woollett sculpt.
The lettering continues with a Latin poem by Ovid (Metamorphoses XI 725) and an English poem by Dryden
Reference
Wellcome Collection 46779i
Type/Technique
Subjects
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores