Ulysses and Polyphemus

1701-1780

John Baptist Jackson, Francesco Primaticcio

Associated Names
John Baptist Jackson

Artist, British, 1701 - 1780

Francesco Primaticcio

Artist After, Italian, 1504 - 1570

The image shows a classical ruin scene from a slightly elevated point of view. Architectural elements are combined with natural surroundings. The horizon is placed near the middle, appearing slightly elevated due to the mountainous landscape that recedes into the distance. Hills and mountains can be seen in the background under a sky painted with soft hues of blue and occasional white clouds. Close to us, a shepherd dressed in red sits by a water's edge, accompanied by a flock of sheep. On the right, impressive ruins with tall columns and statues provide a focal point, with two figures standing on steps. The style of the painting reveals smooth brushwork, evident in the detailing of foliage and stone structures. The color palette is dominated by earth tones, browns, and greens contrasted against the serene sky.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    chiaroscuro woodcut printed from two blocks in yellow-green and black on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    block: 20.5 x 26 cm (8 1/16 x 10 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 21.5 x 27.1 cm (8 7/16 x 10 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.132

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Kainen 1962, no. 6


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mary Jordan. (Frederick Mulder, London); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased 1986; Gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1962

  • Kainen, Jacob. John Baptist Jackson; 18th century master of the color woodcut. Washington, 1962: no. 6

Inscriptions

lower right in image: J. 9

Wikidata ID

Q76555596

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