Artwork

The Deities: Oceanus

The Deities: Oceanus, by Hendrick Goltzius, 1589
The Deities: Oceanus, by Hendrick Goltzius, 1589

The Deities: Oceanus is a print by the Renaissance artist Hendrick Goltzius. It dates from 1589 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1974.263

About this work

Overview

The Deities: Oceanus is a print created by Hendrick Goltzius in 1589, currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a muscular man, identified as Oceanus, standing on a giant with a fish tail, amidst turbulent clouds and waves. A smaller figure clings to his shoulder, while the giant's face contorts in agony.

Technique & Style

Goltzius employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to create a dramatic and intense atmosphere, characteristic of Renaissance art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hendrick Goltzius

Artist

Hendrick Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Deities: Oceanus?

The Deities: Oceanus was painted by Hendrick Goltzius in 1589.

Where can I see The Deities: Oceanus?

The Deities: Oceanus is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Deities: Oceanus?

The Deities: Oceanus is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Deities: Oceanus?

Museum-quality prints of The Deities: Oceanus are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.