Terra (Earth)

c. 1587

Jan Sadeler I, after Dirck Barendsz

Associated Names
Jan Sadeler I

Artist, Netherlandish, 1550 - 1600

Jan Sadeler I

Publisher, Netherlandish, 1550 - 1600

Dirck Barendsz

Artist After, Dutch, 1534 - 1592

This is a drawing of an allegorical figure representing the Earth. The central focus is a robed figure holding a scepter and appearing contemplative. This figure is crowned with small fortifications. The background features mountainous terrain, a distant cityscape, and figures engaged in laborious activities such as mining or digging in a cave. A leafless tree stands to the left, and a tree with sparse leaves rises to the right. The drawing style is intricate, with detailed shading and line work. The text above the figure reads "TERRA."

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

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ramon Osuna

  • Dimensions

    plate: 17.5 × 23 cm (6 7/8 × 9 1/16 in.)
    sheet: 24.1 × 35 cm (9 1/2 × 13 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.209.6

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 526

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Unidentified collector (not in Lugt); Ramon Osuna, Washington, D.C.; gift to NGA, 2019.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge: no. 526

Inscriptions

upper center in image: TERRA; lower center in image: I Sadeler scalps et excud: francofurt ad moenum; lower right in image: Theodor Bernard A / inventor; lower center in plate: Diua colens terra et clara reperta minis trans; / Alma fave terris et tua sceptra rege / Solae namqu; datum nos tros tibi Nosse labores / Nec terris maius Pallade Numen ines t.; by later hand, lower right in graphite: 19298; 83 c

You may be interested in

Loading Results