A naked man pursuing a naiad. From: Ancient bas-reliefs

This engraving is probably by Marco Dente, after a 16th century original by Marcantonio Raimondi, the first major Italian printmaker.  It depicts a naiad, accompanied by Cupid, who have fled to the water over which the naiad presides, being pursued by a love-crazed naked man. It is styled on an ancient bas relief, and is in the so-called King George IV album of Old Master prints, acquired by the Dominion Museum, forerunner of Te Papa, in 1910.

Dr Mark Stocker       Curator, Historical International Art            February 2017