Artwork

Do Not Spend Your Savings Too Soon

Do Not Spend Your Savings Too Soon, by Hendrik Goltzius, ink, 1592
Do Not Spend Your Savings Too Soon, by Hendrik Goltzius, ink, 1592

Do Not Spend Your Savings Too Soon is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hendrik Goltzius. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Do Not Spend Your Savings Too Soon is a print created by Hendrick Goltzius around 1592, utilizing a combination of engraving and letterpress techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an old man, barefoot and staff in hand, engaged with two attentive boys against a backdrop of a rocky hill and a distant building. The scene conveys a didactic moment, likely a cautionary lesson on prudence, as suggested by the title.

Technique & Style

Goltzius employed sharp, detailed lines and cross-hatching to achieve depth and texture, evident in the rendering of clothing and skin. This showcases his technical prowess in printmaking, characteristic of Northern Mannerism.

History & Provenance

Created in the early Baroque period, this work exemplifies Goltzius's position as a leading Dutch engraver of his time. However, specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Emerging from the Northern Mannerist movement, the print reflects the era's emphasis on intricate compositions and refined techniques in art production.

Legacy

While the broader impact of *Do Not Spend Your Savings Too Soon* on subsequent art movements is not explicitly detailed, it remains a notable example of Goltzius's contribution to the evolution of Dutch printmaking.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hendrik Goltzius

Artist

Hendrik Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.