Who painted Thisbe Frightened by the Lion?

Thisbe Frightened by the Lion was painted by Hendrik Goltzius in 1615.

Where can I see Thisbe Frightened by the Lion?

Thisbe Frightened by the Lion is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Thisbe Frightened by the Lion?

Thisbe Frightened by the Lion is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Thisbe Frightened by the Lion

Hendrik Goltzius , 1615

Thisbe Frightened by the Lion is an ink print by the Baroque artist Hendrik Goltzius. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Thisbe Frightened by the Lion is an engraving on laid paper created by Hendrick Goltzius around 1615, exemplifying his technical prowess as a leading Dutch printmaker of the early Baroque period.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving illustrates a dramatic scene from Ovid’s narrative, where Thisbe, crouching in a rocky forest, is menaced by a lioness. The composition conveys intense fear and danger, set against the serene backdrop of a distant city, highlighting the contrast between turmoil and tranquility.

Technique & Style

Characterized by Goltzius’s meticulous style, the work features sharp, detailed lines for textures and fine hatching to build deep shadows, creating a sense of drama and tension through its intricate, high-contrast engraving.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1615 by Hendrick Goltzius, a German-born Dutch artist renowned for his mastery of engraving in the Northern Mannerist style. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

This work reflects the early Baroque period’s emphasis on emotional intensity and the Northern Mannerist attention to detail. The choice of an Ovidian subject also situates it within the Renaissance humanist tradition of revisiting classical themes.

Legacy

As a seminal work by Goltzius, it contributes to the legacy of Dutch Golden Age printmaking, influencing subsequent generations with its technical excellence and expressive depth, though its direct impact is not elaborated here.

Artist & collection

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.