Without Ceres and Bacchus, Venus Would Freeze

1588

Jacob Matham, after Hendrick Goltzius

Associated Names
Jacob Matham

Artist, Dutch, 1571 - 1631

Hendrick Goltzius

Artist After, Dutch, 1558 - 1617

This is a drawing of mythological figures celebrating abundance. The drawing depicts four figures in a classical setting, surrounded by symbols of prosperity such as grapes and a large tree. An infant points toward the figure with a cornucopia, indicating the sharing of abundance, while another figure appears to hold a cup aloft in a gesture of toast or offering. In the background, rolling hills and classical architectural elements add depth to the scene. The chiaroscuro technique is employed to accentuate the musculature and drapery of the figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of the Estate of Leo Steinberg

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 30.6 × 21.6 cm (12 1/16 × 8 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2011.139.17

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 350, State i/iii

  • Series Title

    Mythological and Allegorical Subjects (plate 3)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Leo Steinberg, New York (1920-2011); Estate of Leo Steinberg, New York; gift to NGA, 2011.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-: no. 350, i/iii.

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: J. Matham / fait partie d'une serie de huite / planches sur des [not deciphered] mythologique / gravé d'après Goltzius / par C. J. Visscher / Hollstein No. 266-27; upper right verso in graphite: 161 134; lower left verso in graphite: zolf

Markings

lower left in image, unidentified stamp in blue ink

Watermarks

fleur-de-lis in shield with crown

Wikidata ID

Q76559004

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