Hypsipyle, Queen of Lemnos, writes a letter to Jason
Illuminated manuscript, by Robinet Testard, c. 1497
Bibliothèque nationale de France

Ovid's Heroides, translated by Octavien de Saint-Gelais, and published in 1497, is an illuminated manuscript comprising of a collection of letters written by famous mythological heroines to their absent lovers. Illustrated by Robert Testard, these letters are brought to life through intricate and expressive artwork, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of Ovid's timeless narratives. Testard's illustrations add visual richness to the poetic voices of the heroines, enhancing the reader's immersion into their world of love, longing, and betrayal in ancient mythology.