The Triumph of Neptune and Thetis

1614

Jacob Matham, after Bartholomaeus Spranger

Associated Names
Jacob Matham

Artist, Dutch, 1571 - 1631

Jacob Matham

Publisher, Dutch, 1571 - 1631

Bartholomaeus Spranger

Artist After, Netherlandish, 1546 - 1611

This is a drawing of a mythological scene with figures and creatures in a fantastical landscape. The drawing depicts numerous figures interacting in a dynamic composition. Central to the image is a scene involving humanoid figures interacting with serpentine creatures in the foreground. Above, winged cherubic figures playfully fly through the sky, carrying branches or wreaths. In the background, a cloud looms over the scene with a prominent figure seemingly directing the action below. To the far right, figures appear to gather or move with a backdrop of distant hills. The drawing showcases intricate details and fine lines, suggesting movement and vibrancy.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 27.8 x 41.1 cm (10 15/16 x 16 3/16 in.) (trimmed within plate mark)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.540

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 180, State ii/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., Ltd., London); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased June 19, 1978; Gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, no. 211, i/i

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Jacob Matham, Lena Widerkehr, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 180, ii/ii

Inscriptions

in image, at bottom left: 1614; in image, at bottom centre: Cum privil. Sa. Cae. Mtis; in image, at bottom right: B. Spranger Inuentor. Iac. Matham sculp. et excud; below image: Alma Venus quocunque venis tua magna potestas, / Imperium sine fine tuum; supera infera Mundi / Obsequijs devota tuis: tu gaudia nutris, / Et pecudum omne genus iucundo pascis amore: / Blanda quies homini, divûmque aeterna voluptas, / Qua caelum, ventos, tempestatesque serenas. / Te penes arbitrium pelagi, Dominamque fatentur / Neptunusque pater Phorcique exercitus omnis. / Lucem vidit post obitum Inventoris. TSchrevelius; lower right verso in black ink and graphite: [not deciphered]/6 / K78(16); by later hand, lower left verso in brown ink: 3"

Watermarks

watermark present in center of left side, but is obscured by image

Wikidata ID

Q76557133

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