Siren and Triton

Theodor van Kessel after Sir Peter Paul Rubens

Associated Names
Theodor van Kessel

Artist, Netherlandish, c. 1620 - after 1660

Sir Peter Paul Rubens

Artist After, Flemish, 1577 - 1640

This is a drawing of mythical sea creatures. The drawing features a central figure with a muscular upper body and a serpent-like lower half, holding a female figure with similar traits. Another smaller figure, resembling a cherub, is flying nearby. The scene is set against a backdrop that includes clouds and a partially visible rocky landscape. The figures exhibit dynamic interactions, with the fabric draped around some of them appearing to be caught in the wind. The meticulous crosshatching and detailed line work create a sense of depth and texture.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 20.6 x 31.8 cm (8 1/8 x 12 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 22.4 x 33.4 cm (8 13/16 x 13 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1996.113.12

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Wurzbach 1906, no. 9

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Sale, London, Christie's, 27 June 1996, lot 55); purchased (via Artemis) by NGA, 1996.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1854

  • Le Blanc, Charles. _Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, contenant le dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations, dans lequel sont decrites les estampes rares, precieuses et interessantes avec l'indication de leurs differents etats et des prix auxquels

1906

  • Wurzbach, Alfred von. Niederlandisches Kunstler-Lexikon. 3 vols. Vienna, 1906-1911.

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

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: P.P.Rubens inuenit. / Theod. van Kessel fecit.

Wikidata ID

Q75398938

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