question about how art can properly depict reality and what art can tell us about that reality. Only the viewer of the painting can see the way out of the cave, and according to Plato, this search should be the object of all true philosophy. In Plato's Cave Coxie borrows heavily from Michelangelo's models as well as from Antique models. For instance, the Roman Antique statue of Falling Galatian (Venice National Archaeological Museum) was the model for the tormented man in the centre. The first important work he realised upon his return to Flanders after his stay in Italy shows all the key characteristics of his style and the contribution he made to Flemish painting. The triptych of The Holy Kinship (now in Stift Kremsmünster, Kremsmünster, Austria) was painted in 1540 for the Antwerp Hosemakers Guild's altar in the Antwerp Cathedral. It is a monumental triptych showing at the centre the Virgin Mary with her mother Anna, Christ and John the Baptist. The scene is set in an overwhelming Renaissance architecture with many figures. With this work Coxie showed that he had mastered the Italian style, while not abandoning his roots. The painting has many Italian characteristics. The figure of the Virgin, for instance, goes back directly to Da Vinci. The architectural columns, drapes and niches were inspired by Raphael. Flemish elements in the work are the attention to detail and the rich colour which evoke the work of Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden. Prints Like many artists of his time, Coxie provided designs for the printers and engravers. An important graphic series by Coxi recounts the story of Amor and Psyche. The series was attributed for a long time to Raphael, which testifies to Coxcie's excellence as a draughtsman. The Italian artist biographer Giorgio Vasari who knew Coxie personally recounts that Coxie made the design sketches. Another series of prints designed by Coxie tells the stories of The loves of Jupiter. He based his designs for both series on stories and art works from Antiquity as well as on works by Raphael and Michelangelo. References External links 1499 births 1592 deaths Michiel 16th-century Flemish painters Flemish history painters Flemish engravers 16th-century engravers Flemish Renaissance painters Court painters Artists from Mechelen Flemish tapestry artists