Open full image Pin

Goddesses on the River

Balthasar Moncornet

1634

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

Goddesses on the River is a 1634 ink by Balthasar Moncornet, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Balthasar Moncornet
When & what style?: 1634 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows two giant sea creatures rising from the water, each carrying a boat full of people. The boats are labeled "Fleuve" (river) and "Deesse" (goddess), with figures inside—some standing, some seated. Above, more people row small boats, and clouds float like islands in the sky. The scene mixes human activity with strange, dreamlike shapes. The word "Deesse" hints this might be about river goddesses, a common Baroque theme. The artist used sharp lines and shading to make the scene feel both detailed and a little mysterious. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made prints with acid and needles.

About the artist

Artist

Balthasar Moncornet

Balthasar Moncornet (1600, Rouen – 1668, Paris) was a French painter, engraver, and tapissier revered for his depictions of around 45 different prominent figures of the 17th century.

See the richer artist page