Pluto

1588/1590

Hendrik Goltzius

Associated Names
Hendrick Goltzius

Artist, Dutch, 1558 - 1617

This is a drawing of a crowned, muscular figure with a trident in a dramatic pose amidst a fiery, chaotic scene. The central figure is standing with their back to the viewer, displaying strong, defined musculature. The figure wears a crown and holds a trident in one hand. A flowing cape billows from the figure's shoulders. The scene is framed within an oval and depicts a setting engulfed in flames, with architectural structures visible in the background and a group of indistinct figures. The detailed shading and lines give depth and dynamism to the composition.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    chiaroscuro woodcut printed from three blocks: dark gray line block with middle and light gray tone blocks on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth B. Benedict

  • Dimensions

    sheet (oval): 34.6 x 26.1 cm (13 5/8 x 10 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.60.22

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein 1996, no. 297, State i(a)/ii(c)

  • Series Title

    Gods and Goddesses [Hirschmann 367-372]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. Ruth B. Benedict (1913-1993), Washington; bequest to NGA, 1994.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1994

  • A Discerning Eye: Prints and Drawings Given by Ruth B. Benedict, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994, no. 11.

Bibliography

1921

  • Hirschmann, Otto. Verzeichnis des graphischen Werks von Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617) mit Benutzung der durch E.W. Moest hinterlassenen Notizen zusammengestellt. Leipzig: Verlag von Klinkhardt und Biermann, 1921. Reprint. Braunschweig: Klinkhardt &Bie

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-: no. 297, i(a)/ii(c).

1994

  • A Discerning Eye: Prints and Drawings Given by Ruth B. Benedict. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994: no. 11.

Inscriptions

lower center in block: HG. fe

Markings

none

Watermarks

imperial eagle?

Wikidata ID

Q75119099

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