Artwork Page for Apollo

Details / Information for Apollo

Apollo

1588

Hendrick Goltzius

(Dutch, 1558–1617)
Culture
Netherlands, 16th century
Medium
engraving
Support
Blued white laid paper
Measurements
Platemark: 34.9 x 26.7 cm (13 3/4 x 10 1/2 in.); Sheet: 35.3 x 27.1 cm (13 7/8 x 10 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection 1969.48
Catalogue raisonné
Hollstein 131 (VIII)
State
I/I
Public Domain
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Location
101A Prints & Drawings
Print

Description

This engraving depicts Apollo as the radiant sun god. With fire-like hair, he strides through rolling waves of clouds, while in the background his chariot makes its daily trip across the sky. The Latin text that forms his halo translates: “With its aureole and shining ray, the bright Sun drives away the darkness and lights the whole earth.” Apollo’s excessively muscled body reflects an aspect of Mannerism, a stylistic trend in the mid- to late 1500s that exaggerated natural qualities. By over embellishing Apollo’s musculature, Goltzius transformed an athletic male body into a supernatural one.
An oval print in black ink on cream paper depicts Apollo, a muscular, nude man with light skin tone, standing on a cloud. Facing left, he raises a staff. Rays of light and circular Latin text frame his radiant hair. A dark cloak billows behind him. In the background, a small figure drives a chariot pulled by four horses through clouds. Below his feet, a crescent moon rests upon a cloud.

Apollo

1588

Hendrick Goltzius

(Dutch, 1558–1617)
Netherlands, 16th century

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