Mars

c. 1570/1598

Theodor de Bry, after Sebald Beham

Associated Names
Theodor de Bry

Artist, Flemish, 1528 - 1598

Sebald Beham

Artist After, German, 1500 - 1550

This is a drawing of a figure holding a sword and a torch, surrounded by symbolic elements. The central figure, viewed from behind, has curly hair and a cloth draped over the lower body. In one hand, the figure holds a curved sword, and in the other hand, a torch is raised. The background is filled with swirling clouds, and at the top, a scrolling banner with the word "MARS." A star with trailing lines is seen in the upper right. Below the figure, there is a scorpion and a reclining ram surrounded by clouds. The bottom of the drawing features the text "BELLORVM AVTOR." The lines and shading suggest a meticulous technique. The composition and iconography allude to war and strength themes associated with the deity Mars.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.1137

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 25

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1901

  • Pauli, Gustav. Hans Sebald Beham: ein kritisches Verzeichnis seiner Kupferstiche, Radierungen und Holzschnitte. Studien zur deutschen Kunstgeschichte_ 33. Strasbourg: J.H. Ed. Heitz, 1901: no. 1366.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. 72 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1951 (Vol. IV): no. 25.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Sebald Beham, Anne Röver-Kann, author). Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel: Sound & Vision Publishers, 2024: no. R11.

Wikidata ID

Q64961701

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