The origin of the fig: Ceres gives the first fig to Phytalus in thanks for his hospitality. Etching by S. Rosa.

1600-1699

1 print : etching ; platemark 35 x 23.5 cm

Hic Cererem tectis Phytalus susceperat heros, Cui primum sacri largita est semina pomi, Quod mortale genus ficum vocat. ; Salvator Rosa inv. scul. The lettering is a Latin translation of part of the epitaph of Phytalus quoted by Pausanias in his description of Greece, book 1, chapter XXXVII

Adam Bartsch, Le peintre graveur, Würzburg, 1920-1922, vol. 20, no. 19, p. 166

Wellcome Collection 38752i