A Rocky Landscape with the Temptation of Christ

1620s(?)

Sebastian Vrancx

Associated Names
Sebastian Vrancx

Artist, Flemish, 1573 - 1647

The image shows a scene from an elevated viewpoint of a sunken area with a wooden bridge crossing two wooded sections. The brushwork is detailed, showing texture in the trees, bridge, and leaves. The horizon is at the top of the image, with a winding path curving behind the bridge. The color palette is gray, typical of a monochrome etching, emphasizing depth and detail. Gnarled trees with swirling branches frame the scene, while the pathway leads to a rocky landscape in the distance. The image focuses on texture and form rather than color.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching with engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 25.2 × 18.7 cm (9 15/16 × 7 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 25.9 × 19.2 cm (10 3/16 × 7 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2013.74.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 1, i/ii (as after Vrancx)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Friedrich August II, King of Saxony [1797-1854], Dresden (Lugt 971); (E. H. Ariëns Kappers, Amsterdam); purchased 2013 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, no. 1, i/ii (as after Vrancx)

Inscriptions

in plate, in margin below image: Spiritus in sylvas desertaque dux it Iesum / Ut grave sentiret tentamen ab hoste maligno. / Commonstrat Satanas et regna potentia mundi / Et quoscunq[ue] tenet pulcherrimus orbis honores.; lower right, in margin below image: S. Vranx. In

Markings

lower right, stamped in black ink: [mark of [Friedrich Augustus II, King of Saxony (Lugt 971)]

Watermarks

indistinct coat of arms

Wikidata ID

Q76561487

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