The River God Nile

Nicolaus Beatrizet

Associated Names
Nicolas Beatrizet

Artist, French, 1515 - 1565 or after

This is a drawing of a reclining bearded figure surrounded by small cherubic figures and decorative elements. A large, muscular male figure with a laurel wreath lies horizontally across the lower portion of the image, exuding a classical, mythological presence reminiscent of river gods from ancient cultures. His body is positioned on what appears to be flowing water, surrounded by numerous small, infant-like figures engaged in playful activities and bearing symbols. To the right of the prominent figure, one cherubic child is holding a cornucopia, brimming with fruits and flowers. The area around the central figure incorporates intricate relief bordering the edges of the drawing, embellished with animals and ornate, vine-like scrollwork. The top section contains an inset of Latin text. The meticulous stippling and hatching techniques contribute to the texture and depth, rendering the drawing a marvel of classical revival style consistent with engravings from the Renaissance period.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (cut within platemark): 33 x 55.1 cm (13 x 21 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2006.34.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, no. 95


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(C. & J. Goodfriend, New York); purchased 2005 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2007

  • Fabulous Journeys and Faraway Places: Travels on Paper, 1450 - 1700, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2007

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

Inscriptions

upper left in image: VETERVM MONVMENTORVM STVDIOSE... / ... EFFIGIATA

Wikidata ID

Q76349211

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