Artwork

Nurnbergische Hesperides: No. 185 - Aranzo Striato dolce. Palazzo del N. H. Fonte in Noventa

Nurnbergische Hesperides: No. 185 - Aranzo Striato dolce. Palazzo del N. H. Fonte in Noventa is a print by the Baroque artist Joseph de Montalegre. It dates from 1708 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The print titled *Nürnbergische Hesperides: No.

About this work

Overview

The print titled *Nürnbergische Hesperides: No. 185 – Aranzo Striato dolce. Palazzo del N. H. Fonte in Noventa* depicts a palace surrounded by an abundance of citrus fruit. It belongs to a series that invokes the myth of Hercules and his quest for the golden apples guarded by the Hesperides, while also alluding to historical texts on citrus cultivation.

Subject & Meaning

The work intertwines classical mythology with botanical reference. Hercules’ eleventh labor—securing the golden apples—serves as a narrative framework, while the depicted oranges suggest the older belief that the legendary fruit were, in fact, Spanish citrus. This duality highlights the convergence of mythic symbolism and early modern horticultural knowledge.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the image employs fine line work and delicate shading to render the architectural details of the palace and the texture of the fruit. The composition reflects the decorative sensibilities of Central European printmaking in the eighteenth century, reminiscent of the ornamental approach seen in the works of Joseph de Montalegre.

Context

Produced within a broader series that references Hercules’ labors, the piece reflects the period’s fascination with classical themes and the scientific cataloguing of exotic plants. The title’s reference to “Hesperides” also connects to contemporary literature on citrus, underscoring the era’s blend of mythological allegory and emerging botanical scholarship.