Neptune on a Sea Serpent

Artist Albrecht Altdorfer German, ca. 1480-1538

Dateca. 1520-25

MediumEngraving on laid paper

DimensionsImage Size: 1 x 1 3/4 in. (2.5 x 4.4 cm)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineGift in memory of Leon H. and Marie Buttlar Sparling by their family

Object number2008.20.2

On View

Not on view

Collections

Works on Paper

SignedThe artist's monogram of superimposed flat-topped "A"'s in the lower right of the image

InscribedBlock printed in capital letters "ALTDORFER" in pencil on the reverse of the image.

DescriptionDiminutive image of the "Little Master" type. A recumbent Neptune superimposed on the coiled length of a serpent. The figure is drawn quite stiffly and does not appear to be riding the serpent. There is an attempt to connect the two elements with a long serpentine of drapery that appears to originate in Neptune's left hand and winds behind him and the serpent before passing under his lower back and floating up over the figure's right arm. Neptune holds a trident in his right hand.

A dark ground of closely-engraved horizontal lines probably in imitation of niello-work.

Exhibition History"Old Master Prints from the Sparling Family Collection", Hoopes Gallery, The Hyde Collection, February 28 - May 24, 2009.ProvenanceNew York, NY, C. & J. Goodfriend (print dealers)
2006, Houston, TX, Tobin Sparling
2008, Glens Falls, NY, The Hyde Collection Trust