Hendrick Goltzius

Mars

Maker

Hendrick Goltzius (Dutch, 1558-1617)

Title

Mars

Year

1589-1590

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

chiaroscuro woodcut

Supports

Dimensions

Plate/Image: 24.3 x 14.4 cm (9 9/16 x 5 11/16 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signed, on image, UL: HG

Identification

State

2nd of 2

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mr. Henry D. Sharpe

Object Number

50.147

Type

Exhibition History

A Matter of Tone
Chiaroscuro Woodblock Prints, 1520-1800
Jul 16, 2004 – Oct 31, 2004

Label copy

Warrior and Drinker, Mars and Bacchus represent two types of man and two different seasons, as indicated by the signs of the zodiac in each print. Aries (the Ram), usually March 21 to April 19, accompanies the warrior, Mars. The ancient Romans named the month of March for Mars, and started their military campaign season on March 1. Scorpio, usually October 23 to November 21, encompasses the harvest, especially the grape harvest, the time of Bacchus. Goltzius printed the earliest impressions of these images in tan, green, and black; followed by those in ochre, brown, and black; before the last impressions in three shades of brown.

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Hendrick Goltzius (Dutch, 1558-1617)
Mars, 1589-1590
Chiaroscuro woodcuts from three blocks in ochre, brown, and black
Plate/Image: 24.3 x 14.4 cm (9 9/16 x 5 11/16 inches)
Gift of Mr. Henry D. Sharpe 50.147

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