Venus and Cupid

c.1587

Jacob Matham

Associated Names
Jacob Matham
Artist, Dutch, 1571 - 1631
Hendrick Goltzius
Artist, Dutch, 1558 - 1617
The artwork depicts two figures amidst clouds. One figure is shown in a reclining position, mostly nude except for a flowing drapery that wraps around the arms and back. The head is slightly tilted downward, and the hair is styled in an elaborate updo. Next to this figure is a young, winged figure, who is also mostly nude. This figure is holding a bow and arrow and is in motion, with wings spread. In the background, there are clouds and a pair of birds in flight. The composition includes movement and interaction between the figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    plate: 20.5 x 15.2 cm (8 1/16 x 6 in.)
    sheet: 38.3 x 26.8 cm (15 1/16 x 10 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.566

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 338, State only

  • Series Title

    Three Deities in the Clouds (Plate 2)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Frederick Mulder, London); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased May 5, 1992; Gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2013

  • Northern Mannerist Prints from the Kainen Collection, NGA, 2013 - 2014.

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. 207, only

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Jacob Matham, Lena Widerkehr, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 338, only (as attributed to Matham)

Inscriptions

below image: Illa venustatis mater venus aurea, blando / Faedere terrigenás, caelicolasque ligo; below image, at right: 2

Wikidata ID

Q76557198

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