14th Jun, 2023 12:00

Fine Paintings and Works on Paper

 
  Lot 6
 

6

HENDRIK GOLTZIUS (DUTCH 1558-1617)

HERCULES VICTOR (FARNESE HERCULES)
copper engraving on laid paper
42 x 30cm; 16 1/2 X 12 1/2in
63.5 x 49.5cm; 25 x 19.5in (framed)

Property of a European Collector

Engraving, a good though somewhat later impression, with a proprietary watermark dated 1747 and collector signatures on the reverse, with margins, creasing and small defects.

The great marble of Hercules which inspired the present etching by Goltzius was carved by Glykon for the massive Baths of Caracalla in Rome in the 3rd century AD based on the now lost Greek original from the fourth century BC by Lyssipos. Glykon's copy was recovered from the site of the Baths together with a quantity of other Roman remains during excavations ordered by Pope Paul III in the mid-16th century. Moved to the Pope's family home, the majestic Palazzo Farnese, it was there, in 1590-91, that Goltzius, then at the height of his fame, captured Hercules' imposing form. The sketches in both red and black and white chalk of the sculpture are in the collection of the Teylers Museum, Haarlem, including a frontal view of Glykon's carving. Goltzius's subsequent engraving of Hercules seen from behind into which he has added two inquisitive Dutch onlookers is one of his most striking images, and remains enduringly popular.

Sold for £2,200


 

HERCULES VICTOR (FARNESE HERCULES)
copper engraving on laid paper
42 x 30cm; 16 1/2 X 12 1/2in
63.5 x 49.5cm; 25 x 19.5in (framed)

Property of a European Collector

Engraving, a good though somewhat later impression, with a proprietary watermark dated 1747 and collector signatures on the reverse, with margins, creasing and small defects.

The great marble of Hercules which inspired the present etching by Goltzius was carved by Glykon for the massive Baths of Caracalla in Rome in the 3rd century AD based on the now lost Greek original from the fourth century BC by Lyssipos. Glykon's copy was recovered from the site of the Baths together with a quantity of other Roman remains during excavations ordered by Pope Paul III in the mid-16th century. Moved to the Pope's family home, the majestic Palazzo Farnese, it was there, in 1590-91, that Goltzius, then at the height of his fame, captured Hercules' imposing form. The sketches in both red and black and white chalk of the sculpture are in the collection of the Teylers Museum, Haarlem, including a frontal view of Glykon's carving. Goltzius's subsequent engraving of Hercules seen from behind into which he has added two inquisitive Dutch onlookers is one of his most striking images, and remains enduringly popular.