Aër (Air)

after 1587

Adriaen Collaert

Associated Names
Adriaen Collaert

Artist, Flemish, Flemish, 1560 - 1618

This drawing features an allegorical figure in a classical landscape. The central male figure is sitting on a cloud, holding a chameleon in one hand and gesturing towards the environment with the other. His hair resembles clouds. Surrounding him are four infant-like figures blowing air. The scene is set within an oval border, and beyond it are various landscapes. Birds are flying across the sky. Below, mythological events are depicted in a forested mountainous landscape with a river. Latin text decorates the bottom. The artwork's intricate detailing and rich classical style evoke a Baroque influence, with an emphasis on dynamic composition and allegorical symbolism.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 17.2 × 21.2 cm (6 3/4 × 8 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 17.6 × 21.5 cm (6 15/16 × 8 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2017.38.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1285, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2022

  • The Renaissance in the North: New Prints and Perspectives, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2022.

Bibliography

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Collaert Dynasty, Ann Diels and Marjolein Leesberg, authors). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, : no. 1285, i/ii

Inscriptions

in margin below image, in plate: Mobilis, & rerum per cuncta meabilis AËR, / Afflatu alituum promovet omne genus: / Commotus nimbos tempestatesque minatur, / Tranquillus terris aequoirbusq[ue] favet. (Mobile Air, passable through all things, By his nourishing breath causes every species to advance: Aroused, he puts forth rain-storms and tempests, Tranquil, he favors lands and seas.) [translation from Melion, Walter S. and James Clifton_Through a Glass Darkly: Allegory & Faith in Nethlerlandish Prints from Lucas van Leyden to Rembrandt._Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University, 2019, p. 51.]) / Corn. Kil. Duffl. / Adrian Collaert invent sculp & excud

Markings

none

Watermarks

present but undeciphered

Wikidata ID

Q77259536

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