The Four Elements

1588

attributed to Jacob Matham, after Hendrick Goltzius

Associated Names
Jacob Matham

Artist, Dutch, 1571 - 1631

Hendrick Goltzius

Artist, Dutch, 1558 - 1617

Hendrick Goltzius

Publisher, Dutch, 1558 - 1617

This is a drawing of four mythological figures amidst clouds and plants. The upper part of the image depicts two floating figures, one holding a bird while the other wields a sword and is accompanied by a mythical creature. The lower portion of the drawing features two individuals; one is seated, partially shown from the back with detailed headgear, and the other reclines while holding a stalk of wheat or grain. The background is laden with swirling clouds and stylized foliage. The intricate details in the figures' musculature, flowing lines, and organic textures augment the contrast in the use of light and shadow.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    plate: 29.9 x 21.1 cm (11 3/4 x 8 5/16 in.)
    sheet: 32.2 x 23.4 cm (12 11/16 x 9 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.563

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 348, State i/iii

  • Series Title

    Mythological and Allegorical Subjects (plate 1)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ture Lundh, Sweden (not in Lugt); (Christie's, London, June 26, 1985, lot 150)?; Valerie Mulder, London; Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased December 17, 1992; Gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2013

  • Northern Mannerist Prints from the Kainen Collection, NGA, 2013 - 2014.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger: no. 237, i/iii

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Jacob Matham, Lena Widerkehr, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 348, i/iii (as attributed to Matham)

Inscriptions

in image, at bottom right: HGoltzius Inue. / et excud. Ao. 1588; below image: Sub caelo Pater omnipotens Elementa locauit / Quatuor, his constat quicquid hic orbis habet. / Hînc homines, pecudes, hinc arbor, et erba, frutexque / Hinc mortale omne est, caetera Nectar alit.

Wikidata ID

Q76557193

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