Jason carrying off the golden fleece

Art Historical Context

This etching and engraving captures the dramatic from Greek mythology when Jason seizes the golden fleece, a symbol of kingship and adventure. Created between 1690 and 1725 by Giovanni Romanelli and engraved by Jean-Baptiste Nolin, the print translates the Italian artist’s dynamic composition into a reproducible format that allowed wider audiences to engage with classical stories during the late Baroque period. The combination of etching and engraving techniques was especially valued in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries for its ability to render fine detail and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. As a second state of the print, this impression reflects refinements made after the initial plate was reworked, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of early modern printmaking. Such works played a vital role in disseminating mythological imagery across Europe, turning grand narratives into accessible art for collectors and scholars alike. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this sheet forms part of the Elisha Whittelsey Collection. Its modest size—roughly 13½ by 9½ inches—makes it an intimate window onto both ancient legend and the vibrant print culture of its time.

About the Artist

Giovanni Francesco Romanelli|Jean-Baptiste Nolin · 1610–1662

Italian painter and tapestry designer. Comment on works: Mythology; Religious