The Deceptive Effects of Wealth

1563

Philip Galle, after Maerten van Heemskerck

Associated Names
Philip Galle

Artist, Netherlandish, 1537 - 1612

Maerten van Heemskerck

Artist After, Netherlandish, 1498 - 1574

This is a drawing with a collection of symbolic figures and elements, intricately detailed in a monochromatic tone. On the left, a figure labeled "Honos" holds a smoking vessel. Beside him is "Splendor," who holds a horn and is adorned with luxurious garments. To the right, a larger-than-life figure named "Fama" blows a horn. In the background, a group of figures labeled "Parasiti" appear engaged in a social or economic exchange. Each character is drawn with attention to the folds of their clothing and the textures of their attributes. Below the scene, a Latin inscription serves as an epigram that contextualizes the allegory, touching on themes of vanity, esteem, and the fleeting nature of fame. This work employs classical allegorical elements to convey its themes.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of the Estate of Leo Steinberg

  • Dimensions

    plate: 18.1 x 24 cm (7 1/8 x 9 7/16 in.)
    sheet: 27 x 36 cm (10 5/8 x 14 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2011.139.89

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 285, iv/iv?


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Bibliography

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Galle). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 285, iv/iv?

Inscriptions

upper image: Honor, Splendor, Parasiti, Fama; lower right in image: MH. In.; lower edge of plate: HANC PUPVLARIS HOROS, FVMIQVE EVANDVS INSTAR / ET TVMIDVS SPLEDOR SEQVIVR, LIVOR QVE MALGNVS. / COENIPETAE HAVD ABSVNT VANI, NEC PALP DISERVS, QVAE QVE BREVI TITLLATV FAMA AFFICIT AVRES

Wikidata ID

Q76559233

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