Cephalus and Procris in a Landscape

Cephalus and Procris in a Landscape from 1630 is a rare mythological subject in Champaigne's predominantly religious oeuvre. The Ovidian tale of tragic jealousy and accidental killing was popular in seventeenth-century painting, and Champaigne's treatment shows his ability to work in secular genres when required by patrons. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays restrained, almost penitential palette, penetrating psychological realism in portraiture, architectural clarity in religious compositions, complete absence of Baroque theatrical excess.

The extensive landscape setting shows Flemish influence in its detailed observation of nature, while the figures are integrated into the pastoral scene with classical balance.