Honest and Dishonest Ways of Becoming Rich

1563

Philip Galle, after Maerten van Heemskerck

Associated Names
Philip Galle

Artist, Netherlandish, 1537 - 1612

Maerten van Heemskerck

Artist After, Netherlandish, 1498 - 1574

The image shows a group of seven allegorical figures. Each figure is labeled with a name above their head, arranged in a line from left to right. The figures are named "Fortuna," "Labor," "Diligentia," "Parsimonia," "Fraus," "Mendacium," and "Vis." "Fortuna" is depicted as a blindfolded, winged female figure holding a vessel and a rudder. "Labor" is a muscular figure with wings holding a spade. "Diligentia" is an elderly woman carrying a spindle. "Parsimonia" holds a purse. "Fraus" is shown with a theatrical mask and a dagger. "Mendacium" is depicted in a sinister cloak. "Vis" is dressed as a soldier with a staff or spear. The figures are detailed, with expressive postures conveying various human traits and vices. The style is reminiscent of Northern Renaissance or Mannerist artworks.

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 the Estate of Leo Steinberg

  • Dimensions

    plate: 24 x 18.3 cm (9 7/16 x 7 3/16 in.)
    sheet: 36.2 x 27 cm (14 1/4 x 10 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2011.139.87

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 282, State iii/iii

  • Series Title

    The Wretchedness of Wealth (plate 2)


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Leo Steinberg, New York (1920-2011); Estate of Leo Steinberg; gift to NGA, 2011

Associated Names

Bibliography

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Galle). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no.282, iii/iii

Inscriptions

in image, across top: Fortuna Labor Diligentia Parsimonia Fraus Mendaciv Vis; lower left in image: MH: In:; lower plate: SORS CAECA, ASSIDVVS LABOR, ATQVE INDVSTRIA SOLLERS, / DIVITIAS CVMVLANT, GENII ET FRAVDATIOCERTA. / DIVERSAQVE VIA PARIVNT HAS CALLIDVS ASTVS / IMPROBA VIS, FVRTVM, MENDACIA NIGRA, RAPINAE

Wikidata ID

Q76559229

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