Who painted Allegory of Water?

Allegory of Water was painted by Jeremias Wachsmuth in 1741.

Where can I see Allegory of Water?

Allegory of Water is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Allegory of Water?

Allegory of Water is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Allegory of Water

Jeremias Wachsmuth , 1741

Allegory of Water is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jeremias Wachsmuth. It dates from 1741 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Allegory of Water is a print created by the German engraver Jeremias Wachsmuth in 1741. Executed as an etching with engraving on pink prepared laid paper, the work presents a complex allegorical scene that combines figures, landscape, and maritime elements within a Baroque visual language.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a woman standing on a rocky ledge, holding a large bowl and crowned with a wreath of flowers. She is surrounded by symbols of agricultural abundance—a scythe and a sheaf of wheat—while a ship with billowing sails appears in the distance. The composition suggests themes of fertility, the bounty of nature, and the life‑giving qualities associated with water.

Technique & Style

Wachsmuth employed a combination of etching and engraving to achieve fine line work and varied tonal effects on pink laid paper, a choice that adds a subtle warmth to the image. The intricate detailing of the figure’s robes, the textured clouds, and the distant figures reflects the elaborate ornamentation typical of the Baroque period.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in the mid‑18th century, a time when allegorical subjects were popular in European printmaking. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is documented in catalogues of Wachsmuth’s oeuvre and has been held in several museum collections specializing in Baroque prints.