Hope was painted by Philip Galle in 1559.

Where can I see Hope?

Hope is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Hope?

Hope is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Hope?

Museum-quality prints of Hope are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Hope

Philip Galle , 1559

Hope is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Philip Galle. It dates from 1559 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left, in image, in plate: BRVGEL. INV; lower center, in image, in plate: SPES (Hope); lower right, in image, in plate: H. cock excu.; lower margin, in plate: IVCVNDISSIMA EST SPEI PERSVASIO, ET VITAE IMPRIMIS / NECESSARIA, INTER TOT AERVMNAS PENEQ[UE] INTOLERABILES. (Very pleasant is the conviction of hope and [it is] most necessary for life, amid many and almost unbearable hardships.) [translation from Nadine Orenstein, ed., Pieter Bruegel the Elder: Drawings and Prints. Exhibition catalogue. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2001, p. 185.]

About this work

Overview

The engraving 'Hope' is a 1559 work by Philip Galle, a Dutch printmaker and publisher known for reproducing paintings and creating original designs.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an allegorical female figure labeled 'Spes' (Latin for 'Hope') standing amidst chaotic scenes of people struggling in a stormy sea and a shipwreck. She holds a column with a broken top, symbolizing steadfastness.

Technique & Style

Galle's engraving is characterized by intricate detail, with numerous small scenes and figures rendered in a busy composition. The technique involves carving images into metal to produce the engraved print.

Context

Produced in the Low Countries during the late sixteenth century, 'Hope' reflects the artistic practice of reproducing and disseminating images of earlier works, as well as creating original allegorical designs.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Philip Galle

Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.