Aqua (Water)
1587
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1587
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving depicts a woman, possibly a goddess, sitting on a large shell, surrounded by water and aquatic life. She is nude except for a cloth draped over her left shoulder and a crown of leaves on her head. In her right hand, she holds a large shell, while her left hand rests on a pillar adorned with seaweed and fish. The scene is framed by an oval border, with cherubs and foliage in each corner. The background features a mountainous landscape with a rainbow and a ship sailing on the water. This engraving, titled Aqua (Water), is a work by Adriaen Collaert, showcasing his skill in the Renaissance art movement.