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The Statute of the Nile

Nicolas Beatrizet

1544

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Mythology

Dominant colour

The Statute of the Nile is a 1544 ink by Nicolas Beatrizet, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Nicolas Beatrizet
When & what style?: 1544 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a muscular, bearded man sitting on a rocky shore. Around him, small figures—some holding nets, others climbing or playing—scatter across the scene. A giant fish lies on the ground beside him, while waves crash at the bottom edge. The text at the top is Latin, likely describing the scene. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and depth, giving the figures a three-dimensional look. Want to know more? Try looking up engraving.