Artwork
Balaam and the Angel
Balaam and the Angel is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Dirck Volckertz Coornhert. It dates from 1554 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate [on rock]: Hieronymus Cock excude. / 1554 / DVC [interlaced] fecit; lower center in plate: cum gratia et privilegio / per An. 6; lower right in plate: Martinus / Hemskerck / Inventor; lower margin in plate: QVO VAESANE RVIS: QVID VERBERE CEDIS INQVIO / INSONTEM BALAAME ASINAM: DABIS IMPIE POENAS. / COGNOSTI VERVM, SED VERO OBSISTERE PERGIS / CONSILIO HORRENDO, NEC TE MENS CONSCIA TERRET; by later hand, upper right, in graphite: L590
About this work
Overview
Balaam and the Angel is a print created by Dirck Volckertz Coornhert in 1554 using etching and engraving techniques on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a biblical scene where the prophet Balaam, mounted on a decorated donkey, encounters an angel wielding a sword. The angel's gesture and Balaam's reaction convey a moment of divine intervention.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Coornhert's skill in rendering detailed textures and expressions, characteristic of Renaissance art. The use of etching and engraving allows for intricate depictions of the figures, landscape, and architectural elements.
Context
The scene is drawn from the biblical narrative, where the angel blocks Balaam's path. The detailed representation of the surroundings and the figures' attire adds to the scene's realism and narrative depth.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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