Crispijn De Passe (1564 - 1637)

Hermaphrodite Salmacis Les Métamorphoses

Old master engraving on linen filigree lined paper circa 1602 - 1604

Sheet:  8.6 x 12.8 cm

Salmacis the nymph joins Hermaphrodite in a source of Caria. Under the eyes of two other nymphs she embraces Hermaphrodite and vows to the gods to be forever united to the young man. Her wishes are fulfilled and both form one single being, bisexual, both male and female.

Crispin de Passe was master of the Guild of Engravers in Antwerp, and worked for the Bible of Martin de Vos (1532-1603).