Workshop of Hendrik Goltzius, “Jupiter and the Other Gods Asking Helios to Resume Control of the Chariot”, 1590

Workshop of Hendrik Goltzius (aka Hendrick Goltzius) (1558–1617) and following Goltzius’ design and executed under Goltzius’ direction. Notably, among the distinguished pupils in Goltzius’ workshop were Jacob Matham, Jan Saenredam, Jan Muller, Jacob de Gheyn II, and Pieter de Jode.

“Jupiter and the Other Gods Asking Helios to Resume Control of the Chariot” (TIB title), 1590

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine laid paper with a small margin around the platemark and backed with a support sheet providing wide margins. It is a rare lifetime impression of plate 5 (numbered on the lower left) from the first state (of two), prior to the addition of the number “25” on the lower right. This print belongs to the series of fifty-two plates (of an originally planned 300), titled “Metamorphoses from Ovid”, first published in Haarlem in 1589 by Hendrik Goltzius and Claes Jansz. Visscher (1587–1652), and later by Hendrik Bosch (fl. 1717–1729) in Amsterdam within “Metamorphoses Book II”. This plate is inscribed in the plate with Latin verses by Franco Estius (fl. 1580s–1594) beneath the borderline.

The impression is strong, crisply detailed with no sign of wear to the printing plate. The sheet shows age-toning with small fractures, tears and abraded areas in the margin, though the image area remains nearly flawless free of holes, folds or significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 19.4 x 26.7 cm
• Platemark: 18 x 25.8 cm
• Image borderline: 16.6 x 25.3 cm

Plate lettering below the image borderline

• Left: “5”
• Centre (in two columns of two lines): “Ut Phäethonteos compescuit ignibus ignes/ Tela trisulca vibrans Rex[que] Pater[que] Deûm.// Blanda minis miscens Phebum Titana cöegit/ Ut Solis solitum currus iniret iter.” (Translation: “How Phaethon subdued the fires with his fiery spear, the King and Father of the gods, mixing flattering threats, the Titan compelled Phoebus to take the usual course of the Sun's chariot.”)

References:

• TIB 0302.055 (Walter L. Strauss [ed.] The Illustrated Bartsch: Netherlandish Artists: Hendrik Goltzius”, “vol. 3 [Commentary], 1980, New York, Abaris Books, p. 356, cat. no. [0302].055)
• Hollstein 532 (F.W.H. Holstein, “Dutch and Flemish Etchings Engravings and Woodcuts c. 1450–1700: GOLTZIUS–HEEMSKERCK”, vol. 13, 1953, Amsterdam, Menno Hertzberger, p. 138, cat. nos. 508–559)

• The British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1947-0412-3-25
• The Rijksmuseum describes this print: “After Phaeton's death, the sun god wraps himself in mourning and deprives the earth of daylight. The gods, including Jupiter, request him to return to riding across the sky in his chariot. Below the image are two sets of two lines of Latin text. This print is part of a series of 52 prints depicting stories from Ovid's Metamorphoses. This series is divided into three numbered series: two of 20 prints and one of 12 prints. This print belongs to the second series.” (https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200428507)

Price & Shipping:

AU$366 (approximately US$245.31 / €211.23 / £183.34), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this superb engraving depicting the gods—Jupiter (Zeus) in the centre holding his trident with his eagle beside him, Hercules in the foreground at left wearing his lion skin and resting his club, and Helios (Phoebus Apollo) standing on a cloud at right requested to resume his chariot ride to bring daylight to the world—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.

This print has been sold