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Balthus Turned to Stone, 1696. Creator: Crescenzio Onofri
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Balthus Turned to Stone, 1696. Creator: Crescenzio Onofri
Balthus Turned to Stone, 1696
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Media ID 36239312
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Crescentius De Hunufrys Crescenzio Onofri Flying Hermes Hunufrys Crescentius De Onofri Crescenzio Oxen Greek Mythology
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Balthus Turned to Stone," a captivating etching by the 17th century Italian artist Crescenzio Onofri, depicts a striking scene from Greek mythology. The image transports us to an idyllic landscape in Italy, where the tranquility of nature is disrupted by a mythological tale. At the center of the composition, the figure of Hermes, the ancient Greek deity of trade, thieves, travelers, and the messenger of the gods, is shown turning Balthus, a mortal man, into a stone statue. The reason for this transformation is not explicitly stated in the image, but the expression of shock and disbelief on the face of the man being turned to stone suggests that he has been caught in the act of transgression. Surrounding the central figures, the landscape comes alive with the presence of oxen and other animals, adding to the sense of wild, untamed nature. The etching's monochrome palette enhances the contrast between the living and the inanimate, with the white stones and the black outlines of the figures creating a stark, dramatic effect. The exterior setting of the image, with its rolling hills and open skies, invites us to imagine the scene unfolding in a pastoral idyll. The image is a testament to the power of mythology to transport us to another world, and to the enduring appeal of Crescenzio Onofri's art. This evocative etching is a treasure of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., where it can be appreciated by visitors from around the world. The image invites us to reflect on the intersection of mythology, religion, and nature, and to consider the enduring power of art to capture the imagination and transport us to another time and place.
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