A harpy
Engraving, anonymous, 1784
Bibliothèque nationale de France

A mythical creature originating from Greek mythology, a harpy is typically depicted as a winged creature with the body of a bird and the head of a woman. These creatures are often portrayed as sinister and malevolent, known for their swift and merciless nature. With sharp claws and keen eyesight, harpies are often associated with carrying out punishments or acting as agents of vengeance. In some tales, they are described as snatchers of souls or tormentors of the damned, haunting the realm between the living and the dead. Their appearance and behaviour serve as symbols of chaos and the relentless pursuit of justice in the ancient myths they inhabit.