Myrrha1.0019

Nicolas Poussin, 1594-1665, "The Birth of Adonis" (ca. 1622-1623), pen and brown ink, grey wash on paper; Royal Library, Windsor Castle, RCIN 911933.

Drawing upon Ovid's telling in Metamorphoses 10.298-518, Poussin nevertheless populates the moment of Adonis' birth with many adoring naiads along with Lucina, the goddess of childbirth; in their vessels they collect drops of myrrh, the precious resin that comes into existence in this moment. Ovid seems to imagine a more solitary setting for Myrrha's complicated labor.

The image at right is derived from the Royal Collections Trust, which maintains copyright; it is used here in accordance with the Trust's statement of fair use for academic, research, private studies and internal use in a regulated education institution.