Pygmalion and Galatea

1593

Hendrik Goltzius

Associated Names
Hendrick Goltzius

Artist, Dutch, 1558 - 1617

Jan Pietersz Saenredam

Publisher, Dutch, 1565 - 1607

The image shows two individuals in a classical setting. The person on the left is standing upright and the person on the right is seated on an ornately carved object. The standing figure has delicate facial features with a serene expression, and their hair is styled in soft waves. They appear to be partially clothed with a draped garment covering the lower part of their body. The seated individual has a muscular build, curly hair, and is looking at the standing person. They are wearing what appears to be a hat or helmet and have a piece of cloth tied around their waist. The seated person holds a chisel in one hand and outstretches the other, offering a branch with leaves to the standing figure. The background features an arched architectural element, providing a classical setting to the scene. Various objects, including a small hammer and chisel, are scattered around their feet.

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 on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    plate: 33 x 21.7 cm (13 x 8 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 34 x 23.1 cm (13 3/8 x 9 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.554

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein 1996, no. 157, State ii/iv


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Frederick Mulder, London); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased March 30, 1989; Gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

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; no. 158, ii/iv

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Hendrick Goltzius, Marjolein Leesburg, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 157, ii/iv

Inscriptions

in image, at bottom right: I. Saenredam excu. / Anno 1593. / HGoltzius. Inuet. et sculp; below image: Sculpsit ebur niueum quod virginis ora gerebat / Pygmalion viuae dixisses virginis ora. / Ipse opus author amans in imagine flagrat eburna, / Munere Acidaliae cupido dein iuncta marita est. / F. Estius; by later hand, verso in graphite: B III.138/1er Etat, 1 Etat

Watermarks

watermark present in lower right quadrant, oval shape but indecipherable

Wikidata ID

Q76557168

You may be interested in

Loading Results