The Vestal Virgin Tuccia

c. 1595

Theodor Galle after Jan van der Straet

Associated Names
Theodor Galle

Artist, Flemish, c. 1571 - 1633

Philip Galle

Publisher, Netherlandish, 1537 - 1612

Jan van der Straet

Artist After, Flemish, 1523 - 1605

This is a drawing depicting multiple figures and structures in a mythological scene. The image shows a muscular male figure pouring water from an urn while seated on a riverbank, possibly representing a river god. In the foreground, a woman in flowing garments is using a sieve, and behind her, another figure is performing a similar action near a circular temple-like structure. A regal female figure is on the right, surrounded by several putti, another seated figure, and two unusual creatures resembling a bull and a wolf. The background includes classical buildings, trees, and figures engaging in various activities. The drawing is detailed with a strong use of chiaroscuro to enhance depth and texture, presenting an intricate composition of mythological and allegorical elements.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Anonymous Gift

  • Dimensions

    sheet (cut to plate): 21.8 x 28.2 cm (8 9/16 x 11 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1983.106.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 305, State ii/iii

  • Series Title

    Famous Roman Women (plate 5)


Artwork history & notes

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 Hertzberge

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Johannes Stradanus, Marjolein Leesberg, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 305, ii/iii

Inscriptions

lower left, in image, in plate: Ioan Strad. inven. / Theodor. Galle / Sculpsit.; lower right, in image, in plate: Phls. Galle excud.; in margin below image, in plate: Da pater illaesi testem, Tyberine, pudoris / Te mibi, Vestalemque tuo de gurgite nympham / Arguat unda ream cribro contenta, nefando / Delatam indicio, prius haec non visa ferentem / Pontifices portenta foro mirentur, et omnis / Posteritas, purgetque sue se Tucia cribro.; at lower right corner of bottom margin, in plate: 5

Wikidata ID

Q74044854

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