Artwork

Design for a Pendant with a Sea-Monster Carrying Thetis and a Man with a Sail

Design for a Pendant with a Sea-Monster Carrying Thetis and a Man with a Sail is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaen Collaert. It dates from 1582 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Design for a Pendant with a Sea-Monster Carrying Thetis and a Man with a Sail is a 1582 engraving by Adriaen Collaert, depicting a fantastical scene of mythological and human elements.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving illustrates a dramatic maritime scene featuring a sea-monster, Thetis (a figure from ancient mythology), a man with a sail, and cherubs amidst ornate details, suggesting a narrative rooted in classical tales.

Technique & Style

Collaert employed fine lines and nuanced shading to achieve depth in the black-and-white composition, characteristic of the engraving medium's capacity for detailed, high-contrast prints.

History & Provenance

Created in 1582, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the work as a product of its time with an emphasis on its artistic rather than ownership history.

Context

This engraving reflects the Renaissance interest in classical mythology and the technical proficiency of 16th-century Northern European engravers in capturing intricate, imaginative scenes.