Artwork

Birth of Adonis

Birth of Adonis, by Herman van Swanevelt, ink, 1628
Birth of Adonis, by Herman van Swanevelt, ink, 1628

Birth of Adonis is an ink print by the Baroque artist Herman van Swanevelt. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Birth of Adonis is an etching by Herman van Swanevelt, created in 1628. The print depicts a forest scene with figures gathered near a rocky stream.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows a group of people in a wooded area, with some standing around a small tree and others near the water. The text at the bottom of the print alludes to a narrative involving birth and hunting, likely referencing the mythological figure Adonis.

Technique & Style

Van Swanevelt employed fine lines to achieve a sense of depth, rendering the trees and rocks with a three-dimensional quality. The etching technique, involving acid and metal plates, allowed for the creation of detailed prints.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Herman van Swanevelt

Artist

Herman van Swanevelt

Herman van Swanevelt (1603–1655) was a Dutch artist, born in Woerden.

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