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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2006.168
People
Jacob Matham, Dutch (Haarlem, Netherlands 1571 - 1631 Haarlem, Netherlands)
After Hendrick Goltzius, Dutch (Mühlbracht 1558 - 1617 Haarlem, Netherlands)
Title
Hendrick Goltzius
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
1617
Culture
Dutch
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/315211

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Engraving printed in black ink on white antique laid paper
Technique
Engraving
Dimensions
plate: 44 × 29.4 cm (17 5/16 × 11 9/16 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • watermark: Shield with foolscap
  • inscription: in plate, upper left and right: Cum privil. Sa. Cæ, Mtis. // Jacobus Matham / Goltzÿ priuignus sculp. / et excud
  • inscription: engraved in plate, lower edge to left and right: ANNO / 1617.
  • inscription: in plate, in oval border around portrait: HG[monogram]OLTZIVS SCVLPTOR ET PICTOR / ÆT. LIX. OBYT. Ao. CIƆ. ICI. XVII. 1o. Ian.
  • inscription: in plate, in tablet below portrait, to left and right: Idea magni spiritus, atque ingeni, / Imago vera iam cadentis Goltzÿ; / Cui docta falces turba pictorū suos / Sub misit vitrò, quemq ceu numē colit, / In hoc theatro laudi atq adoræ // Meruit videri: testis hinc caducifer / Hinc docta; Pallas et decentes Gratiæ / Goltzi caducem nomen esse nō sinent, / Manuumq nexu gratioso vinculo / Spondent merenti posthumā famā viro / T. Schrevelius.
  • collector's mark: verso, blue stamp with graphite numbering below: [Fogg Museum accession stamp (Lugt 936)] 2006.163
  • inscription: in plate, above figures left and right: Spirito. / Disegno.

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

State
ii/ii
Standard Reference Number
New Hollstein (Goltzius) 750, Bartsch 22, Hollstein 378

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Acquisition Fund for Prints
Accession Year
2006
Object Number
2006.168
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Commentary
When Hendrick Goltzius died in 1617, he left behind two painted self-portraits, described by his wife in her inventory of his estate. One of the self-portraits pictured him as being "completely bourgeois, with a small black cap on his head." Using the painting as his model, his stepson and protégé, Jacob Matham, engraved the portrayal within an elaborate, architectural framework. The tomblike ornamentation, including the two torches at top and the skull above his head, identify the image as a funerary portrait. The image of Goltzius is flanked by allegorical representations of Spirito (artist inspiration) and Disegno (design), the two qualities that drove Goltzius' artistic genius. Impressions of the print are very rare, perhaps because it was intended as a tribute circulated within a small group of intimates and admirers.

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 2300 Dutch & Flemish, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 11/01/2014 - 04/09/2015

Subjects and Contexts

  • Google Art Project

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