Who painted The Golden Age?

The Golden Age was painted by Johann Theodor de Bry in 1608.

Where can I see The Golden Age?

The Golden Age is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Golden Age?

The Golden Age is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Golden Age?

Museum-quality prints of The Golden Age are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Golden Age

Johann Theodor de Bry , 1608

The Golden Age is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Theodor de Bry. It dates from 1608 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:on banderole at upper center, in plate: L'aage premier d'une innocence Saincte / A ces vivans a porta ce ben heur, / Que franchement sans loy, force, ou contrainte / On, maintenoit la foy, le droit, l'honneur. / L'amour n'es toit suget au blasonneur, / Ains pouuoit on de s'amie es tre aymé, / Hanté, baisé, sans craindre deshonneur: Dont a bon droit l'aage d'Or fut nommé.; on banderole at upper left, in plate: Ao; on banderole at upper right, in plate: 1608; on cartouche at bottom center, in plate: Aurea Saturno Rutilabant Secula Rege / Nectaris et passim flumina lactis crant / Sponte decus florum tellus inculta ferebat / Bacchiq[ue] et Cereris sponte ferebat opes.; on banderole at bottom center, in plate: Abram Blommaert Inventor. / Johan Theodore de Bry excudebat; on verso, at center, in graphite by a later hand: 140
Markings: Marked:verso, stamped in purple ink: Ernst Friederich Georg Otto von der Malsburg (Lugt 1849bis)

About this work

Overview

Johann Theodor de Bry’s engraving entitled The Golden Age was produced in 1608. Executed on laid paper, the print presents an allegorical scene populated by figures, animals and a prominent tree, all rendered through the artist’s intricate line work.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts an idealized pastoral setting that alludes to the mythic Golden Age, a period of harmony between humanity and nature. Central to the scene is a large tree bearing a partially legible banner, while a seated woman, a standing man, birds, a snake and other creatures suggest the coexistence of peace and latent danger within this utopian vision.

Technique & Style

De Bry employed cross‑hatching, layering closely spaced parallel lines to achieve tonal variation and texture. This method creates depth and a sense of realism across the foliage, figures, and animal forms, while the fine detail of the engraved lines highlights the artist’s mastery of the printmaking process on laid paper.

History & Provenance

The print originates from de Bry’s early 17th‑century output, a period when he was active in the production of illustrated books and standalone engravings. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is documented in several early modern print catalogues, confirming its circulation among collectors of allegorical imagery during the Baroque era.