Venus, Bacchus, And Ceres

Artist/Culture Jacob Matham (Dutch, 1571–1631)

Artist Hendrick Goltzius (Dutch, 1558–1617)

Dateabout 1588

Mediumengraving on thin, slightly textured cream laid paper

Dimensions31.5 x 22.1 cm (12 3/8 x 8 11/16 in.)
Overall1: 30.2 x 21.1 cm (11 7/8 x 8 5/16 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineEliza S. Paine Fund

Object number1992.13

DescriptionPlate No. 3 from a "Set of Eight Mythological and Allegorical Subjects."
Label TextThis symbolic gathering of deities was a popular subject for Netherlandish artists well into the Baroque period. The ancient author Terrence wrote “without Ceres and Bacchus, Venus would freeze” (utque sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus). In other words “without food and wine, love freezes,” a meaningful sentiment for hard working men and women in a country often cold, damp, and dark. While Goltzius’s Venus is languid and sensual, Bacchus is a comic, overindulged toper. Yet connoisseurs knew that all three figures were derived from Michelangelo.ProvenancePia Gallo, P.O. Box 11678, Chicago, IL 60611

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