Infortunium (Misfortune)

1541

Sebald Beham

Associated Names
Sebald Beham

Artist, German, 1500 - 1550

This is a drawing of an angelic figure with wings stepping over a lobster while being held back by a devilish creature. The scene is set against a rocky landscape with beams of light or rays emanating from the upper right corner, illuminating the angel and the surrounding figures. The angel is depicted in classical attire, with detailed drapery and feathered wings. The lobster appears to be oversized compared to the rest of the scene. The devilish creature has horns and a mischievous grin. The overall composition includes a play of shadows and textures, typical of fine line work, capturing a sense of movement and tension.

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

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 7.8 x 5.2 cm (3 1/16 x 2 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.1074

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 147, State i/v


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2000

  • Fortune: "All is But Fortune", The Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., no. 31.

Bibliography

1901

  • Pauli, Gustav. Hans Sebald Beham: ein kritisches Verzeichnis seiner Kupferstiche, Radierungen und Holzschnitte. Studien zur deutschen Kunstgeschichte_ 33. Strasbourg: J.H. Ed. Heitz, 1901: no. 144, i/iv.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Sebald Beham, Anne Röver-Kann, author). Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel: Sound & Vision Publishers, 2024: no. 147, i/v.

Wikidata ID

Q64961456

You may be interested in

Loading Results