Physical Qualities
Engraving, Sheet (trimmed within platemark): 331 x 334 mm. (13 1/16 x 13 1/8 in.)
Portfolio/Series
Plate 2 from the series "The Four Disgracers"
Credit Line
Gift of James and Leslie Billet, Baltimore
Object Number
1983.11
As figures tumble in space, their bodies twist from unexpected angles and perspectives. This tondo, or circular, print flanking the doorway are known as The Four Disgracers. The One of The Four Disgracers, a circular print representing a collaboration between Hendrick Goltzius and Cornelius van Haarlem, flanks the doorway. Goltzius transformed van Haarlem’s designs into these richly engraved–and daringly conceived–scenes of humans being expelled from the realms of gods for their hubris. With swelling and powerful lines, Goltzius demonstrated his command of the burin (engraver’s tool) and van Haarlem’s extraordinary representation of man’s fall from grace.
BMA, Jacobs Gallery 5 rotation, June 13, 2023 - January 8, 2024.
Signed: 1
Inscribed: lower center in plate: "C.C. Inue. / HG. Sculp. 2"; around edge of image in plate: "SCIRE. DEI MVNVS, DIVINVM EST NOSCERE VELLE, SED FAS LIMITIBVS SE TENVISSE SVIS. DVM SIBI QVISQ SAPIT, NEO EXAMINA CERNIT, ICARYS NOMINA DONAT AQVIS."
Markings: None