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Black-and-white print of nude man standing on hydra

A nude man wearing a crown of leaves stands, his left hand on his hip. In his right hand he holds what appears to be a large club. At his feet is a twisted, reclining hydra, with several heads and a scaly body. There is a rounded, shallow alcove behind him. Surrounding this is a wide frame with small illustrations of figures, objects, and symbols. We can see books, cherubs, instruments, and foliage, as well as diamond-shaped areas on either side bearing lines of text. The illustration style is high-contrast, with dark shading and detailed textures.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
M19803
People
Giorgio Ghisi, Italian (Mantua 1520 - 1582 Mantua)
After Giovanni Battista Bertani, Italian (1516 - 1576)
Title
Hercules and the Slain Hydra
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
c. 1550-1558
Culture
Italian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/257102

Physical Descriptions

Technique
Engraving
Dimensions
plate: 34.4 x 20.8 cm (13 9/16 x 8 3/16 in.)

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

State
i/i
Standard Reference Number
Bartsch 44, Lewis 24; Bellini 34

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Bequest of Frances L. Hofer
Object Number
M19803
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Publication History

  • Emily J. Peters, ed., The Brilliant Line: Following the Early Modern Engraver, 1480-1650, exh. cat., Rhode Island School of Design Museum (Providence, RI, 2009), cat. no. 35, repr. as fig. 44 on p. 119 [not Harvard impression, related bibliography]

Exhibition History

  • HAA 10 Survey Course (S421): The Western Tradition: Art Since the Renaissance (Fall 08 Rotation 2), Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 10/23/2008 - 11/16/2008
  • HAA 10 Survey Course (S421): The Western Tradition: Art Since the Renaissance (Fall 09 Rotation 2), Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 10/16/2009 - 11/08/2009
  • HAA 10 Survey Course (S421): The Western Tradition: Art Since the Renaissance (Fall 10 Rotation 2), Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 10/15/2010 - 11/06/2010

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu