Water

1587

Jan Sadeler I, after Dirck Barendsz

Associated Names
Jan Sadeler I

Artist, Netherlandish, 1550 - 1600

Dirck Barendsz

Artist After, Dutch, 1534 - 1592

The image depicts a figure with a trident riding a horse in the sea. The figure holds a trident in the left hand and grips the horse's mane with the right hand. The horse is a blend of equine features and sea creature elements. The waves are depicted with dynamic lines, matching the movement of the horse and figure. The sky has swirling clouds, adding drama to the scene. The artwork is detailed with monochromatic shading, giving it a classical and timeless quality.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 17.1 × 22.6 cm (6 3/4 × 8 7/8 in.) (trimmed to plate mark)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.657

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 527, State only

  • Series Title

    The Four Elements, as Mythological Figures (Plate 3)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Hill-Stone, Inc., New York); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased March 6, 2006; Gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

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. 527, only

Inscriptions

in image, at top center: MARE; in image, at lower left: T. B. Amst: iuet: / Joa: Sadeler scalps; below image: Quem penes arbitrium vasti manet aequoris omne / Per tua, Neptune ô, regna tridente potens. / Da facilem ratibusque viam facilesque recursus / Hanc Deus humanis adijce rebus opem.

Wikidata ID

Q76557595

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