Venus

Wenceslaus Hollar (after Adam Elsheimer)

Associated Names
Wenceslaus Hollar

Artist, Bohemian, 1607 - 1677

Adam Elsheimer

Artist After, German, 1578 - 1610

This is a drawing of a mythological scene. The scene depicts a classical figure reclining on a draped surface in a lush forest setting, with a small winged figure in the center carrying a basket above its head. The background is filled with dense trees and two birds flying in the sky. There are additional figures partially obscured by the forest canopy. The drawing utilizes a technique of intricate linework to create depth and texture.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 9.5 x 14.2 cm (3 3/4 x 5 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 9.9 x 15 cm (3 7/8 x 5 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2011.76.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 845, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Emma Regina Martin, 1833(?): Baldwin Wallace College, Berea, OH. (Susan Schulman, New York); purchased 2011 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1982

  • Pennington, Richard. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Etched Work of Wenceslaus Hollar 1607-1677. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982.

1993

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Wenceslaus Hollar, Simon Turner, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 845, state only.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: W. Hollar fecit; lower center in plate: VENVS; lower right in plate: ex Collectione Arundelliana / Adam Elsheimer pinxit; lower center in by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: O. Venus after / Elsheimer / P. 271; by later hand, upper center in brown ink: Marsh E(not deciphered)ht. 1833

Wikidata ID

Q76558916

You may be interested in

Loading Results