Arion on a Dolphin

Muller made six engravings after Cornelis; and, impressions of four are in the Met. In addition to the present work they include Cain Killing Abel (56.597.4), The Fight Between Ulysses and Irus (56.597.6) and The Three Fates Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos (56.597.7). This work illustrates a scene from the life of Arion, aGreek poet and singer, who lived in Corinth in the sixth century BC and was considered the best lyre player of his time. Returning from a sojourn in Italy and Sicily, Arion was seized by sailors who robbed him of the fortune he had made in various musical contests. They allowed him to sing one last song before hurling himself into the sea. His beautiful music, however, attracted a school of dolphins who rescued him. They were likely sent by Apollo, the god of music and poetry. In the present work, Arion is sitting astride a dolphin strumming his lyre, despite the menacing clouds and turbulent sea, on his way back to home to Corinth.


The engraving was commissioned by Hendrik Laurensz. Spieghel, the Amsterdam poet, and includes his motto ‘Deugd Verhuegt’ (Virtue gives delight) inscribed below the image.