Circe Transforms Picus into a Woodpecker - Johann Wilhelm Baur

A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Johann Wilhelm Baur depicting the mythological transformation of King Picus by the sorceress Circe.

This etching by Johann Wilhelm Baur depicts a moment from Ovid's Metamorphoses, specifically the transformation of the Italian king Picus by the sorceress Circe. Baur, a German artist active during the early seventeenth century, was known for his precise and narrative approach to classical mythology. In this composition, the sorceress is shown mid-gesture, casting a spell that initiates the metamorphosis of the king into a bird. The scene is framed by a swirling, atmospheric cloud formation that suggests the supernatural power at play.

Baur employs a fine, controlled line quality characteristic of his printmaking style. The etching captures the tension of the narrative through the dynamic posture of the figures and the inclusion of magical accoutrements, such as the open book and ritual objects placed on the ground. The circular markings on the earth indicate the ritual space, grounding the mythological event in a specific, albeit fantastical, location. The small bird visible in the upper left corner serves as a visual shorthand for the final outcome of the transformation.

This work is part of a larger series of illustrations Baur produced for Ovid's epic poem. His ability to condense complex mythological narratives into a single, legible frame demonstrates his skill as an illustrator. The print reflects the Baroque interest in drama, movement, and the intersection of the human and the divine. The stark contrast between the dark, textured clouds and the lighter foreground ensures that the focus remains on the interaction between the two central figures. Collectors of seventeenth-century prints will appreciate the technical precision and the adherence to classical source material that defines Baur's body of work.