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Phaeton

Hendrick Goltzius and Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem

Phaeton

1587

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Phaeton

1587

Physical Qualities Engraving, Sheet: 439 x 340 mm. (17 5/16 x 13 3/8 in.) Plate (diameter): 331 mm. (13 1/16 in.)
Credit Line Blanche Adler Memorial Fund
Object Number 2013.357
As figures tumble in space, their bodies twist from unexpected angles and perspectives. These four tondo, or circular, prints flanking the doorway are known as The Four Disgracers. The series represents a masterful collaboration between printmaker Hendrick Goltzius and painter Cornelius van Haarlem. 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.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 2013; Hill-Stone, Inc., South Dartmouth, MA
BMA, Jacobs Gallery 5 rotation, June 13, 2023 - January 8, 2024.

Signed: 1

Inscribed: Recto: in plate, at lower center: "C. C. Pictor Inue. HG Sculp 3."; Verso: none

Markings: CM: Würtemberg (Lugt 2606)

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