Physical Qualities
Engraving, Sheet (trimmed within platemark): 269 × 214 mm. (10 9/16 × 8 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Garrett Collection
Object Number
1946.112.6875
Here the seductive Phyllis rides the back of Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher. Her direct gaze and triumphant gesture with the riding crop leaves no doubt about her dominant status in this pair.
This image follows the medieval tradition of showing powerful women dominating men with their feminine wiles as a humorous cautionary tale in the battle of the sexes. In this example, the printmaker highlighted their sinuous muscles and long, intertwined limbs to emphasize the erotic nature of their encounter.
Andaleeb Banta, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Women Behaving Badly: 400 Years of Power and Protest," July 18 - December 19, 2021.
Inscribed: Recto: in image, lower left, in plate "B. Sprangers Inu: ISadl. fec. et exc.: / cu gratia et priuil Sace: Caes. M."; in image, lower right, in plate two lines of text in Latin beginning "Nil studium [...]" Verso: lower left in graphite diamond with "9353"; lower right in graphite "HR"
Markings: CM: Claghorn
