Scenes from Tebaldeo's Eclogues: Thyrsis asks Damon the Cause of his Sorrow / Thyrsis finds the Body of Damon

These two scenes are part of a group of four by Previtali, painted on two panels, probably some time around 1510. They illustrate the key episodes of the Second Eclogue by Antonio Tebaldeo (1456–1538), and were probably intended to decorate a piece of furniture, possibly the case of a musical instrument. The second and fourth scenes are represented here.

Damon is lamenting his unrequited love for Amaryllis. Thyrsis asks why he is so melancholy. Damon says he prefers to be alone ‘among thorns and brambles in a remote and dismal place.’ In the fourth episode, Thyrsis returns, concerned by how changed his friend has become. Seeing Damon lying on the grass and his flock scattered, Thyrsis approaches softly thinking that Damon is asleep. He sees blood and fears that a wild animal has attacked Damon, but then notices the weapon in Damon’s chest and realises that he has killed himself.

Painting photographed in its frame by Google Arts & Culture, 2023.