Currently not on view
Demogorgon in the Cave of Eternity,
c.1588–90
Hendrick Goltzius, 1558–1617; born Mülbracht, Netherlands; died Haarlem, Netherlands
x1982-5
The complex symbolism of this series of seven oval prints can be interpreted as illustrating the fundamental harmony between humans and nature. The three regions of the world—sky, water, and earth, represented by six gods and goddesses—correlate with the spirit, the soul, and the body of man. The central figure of the Demogorgon, the father of all the deities, is based on a passage from the fourth-century Roman poet Claudian’s De consulate Stilichonis. In it an old man residing in a cave determines the number and nature of the stars and writes down laws governing the fate of all living things.
Derived from the Italian terms for light and dark, chiaroscuro relies on contrasts, created in woodcuts by printing blocks inked in different tones over a black line block. The technique originated in sixteenth-century Germany, was picked up in Italy, and then spread to the Netherlands, as evidenced in Hubert Goltzius’s book displayed on the opposite wall. Goltzius made several editions of this series, varying the ink colors each time. He began with the gray tones, then made a tan and green combination, and finally an ochre and brown edition.
Information
Title
Demogorgon in the Cave of Eternity
Dates
c.1588–90
Maker
Medium
Chiaroscuro woodcut; line block and two tone blocks
Dimensions
block (sheet trimmed to block): 35.4 × 26.7 cm (13 15/16 × 10 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of David H. McAlpin, Class of 1920
Object Number
x1982-5
Place Made
Europe, Netherlands
Inscription
Initialed in block on cloud, lower right corner: HG.f
Marks/Labels/Seals
Collector's blindstamp, verso lower left: Unidentified, possibly Comte di Bogiani (Lugt 2810)
Reference Numbers
Bartsch 43.238; Hollstein 374; New Hollstein 294b; Strauss 418
Type
Materials
Techniques
-
F.W.H. Hollstein, "Goltzius-Heemskerck," Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings, and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700, (Amsterdam: M. Hertzberger, 1953).
, nos. 21-32 - Otto Hirschmann and E. W. Moes, Hendrik Goltzius, Verzeichnis des graphischen Werks (Braunschweig: Klinkhardt & Biermann, 1976)., nos. 21-32
- Old Master and Modern Prints 7 (1982)., no. 13 (illus.)
- "Acquisitions of the Art Museum 1982", Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University 42, no. 1 (1983): p. 50-70., p. 67
- Marjolein Leesberg, "Hendrick Goltzius," New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, 1450-1700 (Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel: Sound & Vision Publishers, in co-operation with the Rijksprentenkabinet, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 2012)., nos. 17-28
- Walter L. Strauss, ed., Hendrik Goltzius, 1558-1617: the complete engravings and woodcuts (New York: Abaris Books, 1977-)., nos. 332-356
