Sine Cerere et Baccho Friget Venus

c. 1600

Jan Pietersz Saenredam, after Abraham Bloemaert

Associated Names
Jan Pietersz Saenredam

Artist, Dutch, 1565 - 1607

Jacques Razet

Publisher, Dutch, active 1589 - 1609

Abraham Bloemaert

Artist After, Dutch, 1566 - 1651

This is a drawing of an allegorical scene featuring classical symbols of abundance. The scene depicts three figures surrounded by a lush array of fruits, including grapes and pomegranates. The attire and attributes, such as grape leaves adorning the central figure, hint at associations with Ceres and Bacchus, deities of agriculture and wine. The central figure holds a sickle, an agricultural tool, emphasizing the theme of harvest and fertility. The detailing of clothing, flora, and facial expressions suggests a style reminiscent of classical or Renaissance-era art. Latin text beneath the image conveys a connection to mythological or literary themes, enhancing the allegorical nature of the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 27 x 20.2 cm (10 5/8 x 7 15/16 in.) (trimmed to plate mark)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.605

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 75, State ii/iii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

E. Fabricius [d. 1920], Berlin (Lugt 919bis, Lugt 847a). Ture Lundh, Sweden (not in Lugt); (Christie's, London, June 26, 1985, lot 138); (via David Tunick, Inc., New York); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C.; 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. 75, ii/iii

Inscriptions

below image: SINE CERERE ET BACCHO TRIGET VENUS. / Ipsa Venus venersqué puer torpedine frigent, / Si genialis abest Bacchus et alma Ceres. / Lui sapit haud blando nimis indulgebit Amori, / Nec repetet vini pocula crebra nimis. / Immoderata etenim Veneris Bacchiqué cupido / Enervat vires, ingeniumque necat. / Tunc probitas, omnis pudor, et reverentia cedunt: / In quorum subeunt furta, dolique locum. SHS; below image, at bottom left: Abrah. Blom. inv. I. Saenredam sculps; below image, at bottom right: Iacobus Razet divulgavit

Wikidata ID

Q76557309

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