Artwork
Aqua (Water)
Aqua (Water) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaen Collaert. It dates from 1587 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:in margin below image, in plate: Rerum AQVA principium, chaos, et fons est, et origo, / Frugibus unde vigor seminibusque venit. / Squamigeros homini pisces alimenta ministrat; / Et quo navigijs transeat, aptat iter. (Water is the origin, the chaos, the wellspring of things, Whence comes vigor to fruits and seeds. She furnishes scaly fish as nourishment to mankind; And anywhither the shipborne journey passes, she accommodates. [translation from Melion, Walter S. and James Clifton_Through a Glass Darkly: Allegory & Faith in Nethlerlandish Prints from Lucas van Leyden to Rembrandt._Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University, 2019, p.50.]) / Adrian. Collaert invent. sculp. et excud.
- Markings
- Marked:none
About this work
Overview
Aqua (Water) is an engraving on laid paper created by Adriaen Collaert in 1587.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a female figure, possibly a goddess, seated on a large shell amidst aquatic life. She holds a shell and rests her hand on a seaweed-adorned pillar, symbolizing water.
Technique & Style
The scene is framed by an oval border with cherubs and foliage in the corners, characteristic of Renaissance art. The engraving showcases Collaert's skill in rendering detailed textures and compositions.
Context
The background features a mountainous landscape with a rainbow and a sailing ship, adding depth to the allegorical representation of water.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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