The Works of Virgil (4th-5th century) - Page 20

⚠Library stamps are superimposed on the illustration and text areas.

THE GEORGICS

BOOK IV

A large rectangular miniature painting within a thick red decorative border illustrates the forge of the Cyclopes. On the left, a figure (likely the god of fire, Vulcan, or a leading Cyclops) is seated within a rocky cave opening, working on a piece of metal. In the center and right foreground, three muscular, semi-nude Cyclopes are depicted at work. Two figures are in the process of swinging large hammers over an anvil, while a third stands nearby. The style is late antique, with figures rendered in earthy tones against a darker, craggy background representing the interior of a cave. Several official library stamps from the Vatican Apostolic Library are visible across the surface of the image, which is a common mark of provenance in historical manuscripts.

And just as Virgil begins a celebrated epic simile here, comparing the tiny, industrious bees to the massive, mythical blacksmiths of the gods. when the Cyclopes original: "Cyclopes"; the one-eyed giants of Greek and Roman myth who labored in the volcano of Mount Etna. hurry to forge thunderbolts from molten masses original: "lentis massis"; referring to the stubborn or ductile chunks of glowing metal., some draw in and breathe out the air with bellows of bull-hide original: "taurinis follibus"; others dip the hissing bronze in the lake; the cave original: "antrum" groans beneath the weight of the anvils original: "incudibus" placed within; they, with great force, lift their arms original: "bracchia" in rhythm one with another.