Plato's Cave

1604

Jan Pietersz Saenredam after Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem

Associated Names
Jan Pietersz Saenredam

Artist, Dutch, 1565 - 1607

Hendrik Hondius I

Publisher, Dutch, 1573 - 1649 or after

Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem

Artist After, Dutch, 1562 - 1638

This is a print of a detailed interior scene with people in a cave-like environment. There is a contrast between the illuminated faces of the people near the entrance on the left and the people clustered in the deeper, darker parts of the cave on the right. In the center of the cave, a low wall appears to extend, trapping the people on the right into a dark, confined area. On top of this wall are small statues of people in different positions holding different objects, like long horns or scepters. Some of the statues have large wings. These statues cast shadows on the wall to the far right. To the left of center, a hanging brazier casts light on the left side of the print, below which a group of men in robes seem to converse together. Behind them is the arched opening of the cave, and beyond it we can see three distant people standing together against a pale sky. There is Latin text above and below the print.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 33.7 x 45 cm (13 1/4 x 17 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1983.61.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 116, State ii/ii


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2000

  • The Fantastic in Renaissance Prints and Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2000.

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch 1802-21, vol.3, p.234, 39.

1949

  • Hollstein Neth.1949-69, vol.23, p.89, 116 ii/ii.

  • 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

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: C.C. Harlemensis Inv. / ISanredam Sculpsit./ Henr. Hondius excudit. / 1604.; across top, above image, in plate: LVX VENI T ... LVCEM.10.3.19; top center, in image, in plate: ANTRVM PLATONICVM.; across bottom in plate:

Wikidata ID

Q74044173

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