Artwork
The Allegory of Fame and History
The Allegory of Fame and History is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hendrick Goltzius. It dates from 1586 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:left center, in image, on edge of book: HISTORIA; left center, in image, on edge of tomb: Omnia morte cadunt, nescit mortem unica virtus, / Solaque inexhausta Posteritate viget. (Everything is subject to death, only courage does not die and continues to exist into the infinite future.); left center, in image, on side of tomb: AKHRATOS H ALKH (Unbroken power); bottom center, in image: HGoltzius fecit. / Ao. 1586; in margin below image, in plate: Vita hominum brevis est, bullae instar aquatilis exit, / Gloriaqué illius ceu leuis umbra fugit. / Inclyta quin virtus, et fortia facta priorum / Mersa chao aeterno, sub tenebrisqué forent: / Scaevola tu, Curtiqué, et Cocles, et alter Horati, / Essetis cineres, fumus, et aura, nihil. / Vivida Posteritas, et facti postera Fama / Ni ferat in lucem, et nocte latere vetet. / Te quoque, virtutemque tuam, nomenqué tuorum / Et decus, ô Caesar, Teutonicosqué Duces, / Enthea Posteritas, et praepete Fama volatu. / Per terras omnes, aequora, et astra vehent: / Imperium iam tot quorum virtute per annos / Nullam aevi cariem sentit, et usqué viget: / Et stirps Troiugenûm Germanos nacta nepotes / Invicto priscos Marte tuetur avos. / F. Estius. com-posuit. (A human life is but short, it passes like a soap bubble and its fame is as fleeting as an insubstantial shadow. Even the renowned courage and the brave deeds of our predecessors will be immersed in eternal chaos and darkness. You, Scaevola, Curtius, Cocles and the third of the Horatii would be ash, smoke, a puff of wind, nothing, if Posterity and the enduring Fame of your deeds did not bring them into the light and prevent them from remaining in the dark. Emperor, you too and your courage, your lineage, the illustrious name of your ouse and the German princes will be broadcast by inspired Posterity and Fame with her rapid flight over all the lands, seas and stars. Because of their courage the empire has for so long not been subjected to any decay by time, and it flourishes still. The people descended from the Trojans, who now live on in their German descendants, protect their ancient forefathers with an invincible army.) [Latin translations from Leeflang, Huigen, and Ger Luijten. _Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617): Drawings, Prints and Paintings._ Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, 2003, p. 91.]
About this work
Overview
The Allegory of Fame and History is a 1586 engraving on laid paper by Hendrick Goltzius, a prominent Dutch printmaker and draftsman of the early Baroque/Northern Mannerism period.
Subject & Meaning
The allegorical print depicts two winged figures amidst chaos, symbolizing Fame (with trumpet and torch) and History (beside a broken column, surrounded by books, a skull, and a trumpet), conveying a sense of struggle between the two concepts.
Technique & Style
Goltzius showcased his technical mastery through fine engraved lines, capturing dynamic movement and tension. Sharp lines, dark shadows, and detailed textures enhance the dramatic intensity of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1586, the work exemplifies Goltzius's renowned engraving skills, characteristic of his contributions to Northern Mannerism.
Context
The chaotic backdrop of crumbling buildings, smoke, and fire may allude to the turmoil of the Dutch Revolt or broader European upheavals of the late 16th century.
Legacy
As a seminal work by a leading Dutch engraver, it influences the development of Baroque printmaking and the depiction of allegorical themes in Northern European art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.
