Celtes Surrounded by Greek and Roman Gods
1502
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1502
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Celtes Surrounded by Greek and Roman Gods is a 1502 ink by Hans Süss von Kulmbach, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut is packed with small, busy scenes. On the left, figures like Mercury and Hercules stand in boxes, each labeled with their names. In the center, a crowd of people and animals swirls around a throne with a banner that reads "Phoebo et Musis dicatum." On the right, Cupid and other figures play instruments or hold objects, all crammed into tight, detailed spaces. The center scene looks like a mix of Greek and Roman gods gathered around a poet or musician. The tiny text and symbols suggest this is about celebrating art and learning, but it’s hard to tell who’s who without a guide. If you like this crowded, symbolic style, look up woodcut next to see how artists carved these intricate images.
Hans Süss von Kulmbach (1510–1515) was an artist.
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