Without Ceres and Bacchus, Venus Freezes

1590s

Johann Matthias Kager

Associated Names
Johann Matthias Kager

Artist, German, 1575 - 1634

This is a drawing of a mythological scene featuring a group of figures by a fountain. The image depicts several figures gathered around a circular basin, with a central fountain that appears to be adorned with sculptural figures. A standing figure in the foreground is holding a wine glass, possibly engaged in a conversation with another figure who is seated. There is a sense of interaction and merriment among the figures, as suggested by their gestures and the convivial arrangement. The composition is enriched with intricate details such as flowing drapery and sculptural elements on the fountain, along with architectural features like columns and arches in the background. The drawing has a classical aesthetic.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with gray wash over graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall (hexagonal): 27.2 x 22.1 cm (10 11/16 x 8 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1999.128.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Netzer 1980, no. 13


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Oettingen-Wallerstein Collection, Maihingen, Germany. (C. G. Boerner Inc., New York); purchased 1999 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1980

  • Netzer, Susanne. Johann Matthias Kager, Stadtmaler von Augsburg (1575 - 1634). Munich: Stadtarchiv, 1980.

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower right corner in graphite: MG

Wikidata ID

Q64582051

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