Salmacis and Hermaphroditus
1589
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1589
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Salmacis and Hermaphroditus is a 1589 ink by Hendrik Goltzius, a Renaissance work, depicting clothed male, naked female, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a man and woman merging into one body. Salmacis grabs Hermaphroditus in the water. Their skin starts to blend. Goltzius carved this scene with tiny lines. He used cross-hatching to show muscle and light. The lines look almost like skin. Next time you see a print, check how the artist builds up shadows. Look for Goltzius’s engraving at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
