Seven Children at Play

c. 1490

Israhel van Meckenem

Associated Names
Israhel van Meckenem

Artist, German, c. 1445 - 1503

This is a drawing of multiple infant-like figures interacting with laboratory and alchemical objects. The etching shows several nude cherub-like figures with curly hair engaging with various objects related to early science exploration and alchemy. The figures are depicted interacting with objects such as cups, a large bowl on a column, pouring liquid, and other vessels and items like books and a bellows. In the background, there are scroll-like elements. The artwork uses strong line techniques to create depth and texture, portraying a dynamic scene of curiosity and interaction between the figures and the objects.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.153

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lehrs, Vol. 9, p.373, no. 479, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Schloss 'E'; (sale 41, Hollstein & Puppel, Berlin, 6 May 1929, no. 495); (Charles Sessler, Philadelphia); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1929; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1941

  • The First Century of Printmaking 1400-1500, The Art Institute of Chicago, 1941, no. 114.

1967

  • Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., NGA, 1967-1968, no. 212, repro.

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

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 Hertzberge

1967

  • Shestack, Alan. Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Exh. cat. Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1967: no. 212.

Wikidata ID

Q64958427

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