Artwork
Envy
Envy is a print by the Renaissance artist Jacob Matham. It dates from 1593 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
To see how other artists drew human emotions, look up the subject netherlands, 16th century.
This print shows an old woman with wild hair gnawing on a human heart. Snakes slither from her head, and a dog with bared teeth stands beside her.
The image turns the phrase “eating your heart out” into a literal picture of envy. It’s one of fourteen prints that personify human flaws like greed or pride. Matham learned the trade from his stepfather, who ran a busy print workshop in Haarlem.
To see how other artists drew human emotions, look up the subject netherlands, 16th century.
Overview
Envy is a print from a series of fourteen engravings personifying human flaws. It depicts an old woman consuming a human heart, embodying the concept of envy.
Subject & Meaning
The print literalizes the metaphor 'eating your heart out' by showing an old hag gnawing on a heart, accompanied by snakes emerging from her head and a snarling dog.
Technique & Style
The engraving is the work of Jacob Matham, a prolific printmaker known for producing works after prominent artists. Matham's style in Envy reflects his training under his stepfather, Hendrick Goltzius.
History & Provenance
Matham entered Goltzius's Haarlem workshop in 1581 and took it over around 1600 when Goltzius ceased printmaking activities. Matham continued the workshop's tradition of producing engravings after notable artists.
Artist & collection
