Who painted Phoebus Telling Vulcan of His Wife's Adultery?

Phoebus Telling Vulcan of His Wife's Adultery was painted by Hans the Younger Collaert in 1530.

Where can I see Phoebus Telling Vulcan of His Wife's Adultery?

Phoebus Telling Vulcan of His Wife's Adultery is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Phoebus Telling Vulcan of His Wife's Adultery?

Phoebus Telling Vulcan of His Wife's Adultery is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Phoebus Telling Vulcan of His Wife's Adultery

Hans the Younger Collaert , 1530

Phoebus Telling Vulcan of His Wife's Adultery is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans the Younger Collaert. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Hans the Younger Collaert’s 1530 engraving presents a mythological confrontation rendered in stark black‑and‑white. The composition centers on two muscular figures on a rocky outcrop, framed by an ornate border of intertwined vines and fanciful forms that give the scene a theatrical quality.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates the moment when Phoebus (Apollo) informs Vulcan of his wife’s infidelity with the god of love. Apollo’s radiant hair and Vulcan’s fierce expression convey the tension of betrayal, while the surrounding onlookers—some bearing tools—suggest the domestic workshop of the smith god.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving on laid paper, the image relies on fine line work and cross‑hatching to model muscular bodies and the intricate border. The contrast between deep shadows and delicate hatching creates a sense of depth, while the decorative frame functions as a visual stage set.

History & Provenance

Created in the early sixteenth century, the print reflects the Northern Renaissance interest in classical mythology. Hans the Younger Collaert, a Flemish engraver, produced the piece for the market of printed illustrations, and surviving copies are held in several European museum collections.