Phaethusa and Lampetie, the Sisters of Phaeton, Turn into Trees - Johann Wilhelm Baur

A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Johann Wilhelm Baur depicting the mythological transformation of the Heliades into poplar trees.

This etching by Johann Wilhelm Baur depicts a moment from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The narrative concerns the Heliades, the sisters of Phaeton, who are overcome with grief following their brother's death. As they mourn at his tomb, they undergo a physical transformation into poplar trees. Baur captures the precise instant of this metamorphosis, showing the figures with their arms raised, their fingers already elongating into leafy branches.

Baur, a German artist active during the early seventeenth century, was known for his technical precision in printmaking. His work often features small-scale figures set within expansive, atmospheric environments. In this composition, the artist balances the emotional weight of the scene with a clear, structured approach to the classical subject matter. The figures are rendered with fine, controlled lines, while the tomb serves as a central anchor for the composition. The surrounding environment, including the water and the trees, provides a sense of place that grounds the mythological event in a tangible reality.

The etching demonstrates the artist's ability to convey movement and change through static imagery. The transition from human form to arboreal structure is handled with a focus on the physical gestures of the sisters. Baur's work reflects the broader interest in classical literature and mythology that defined much of the artistic production in Europe during this period. This print is a fine example of his narrative style, which combines careful observation with a clear sense of storytelling. The work is executed with a delicate touch, allowing the viewer to observe the fine details of the drapery and the textures of the emerging foliage. It remains a clear representation of the Baroque interest in dramatic, transformative moments drawn from ancient texts.