Who painted River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche?

River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche was painted by Simon Novellanus in 1595.

Where can I see River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche?

River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche?

River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche?

Museum-quality prints of River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche

Simon Novellanus , 1595

River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon Novellanus. It dates from 1595 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:in margin below image, in plate: Arti et ingenio stat sine morte decus. (For art and ingenuity, glory endures without end.) // Pulcher Atlantiades Psychen ad Sydera tollens, / Ingenio scandi Sydera posse docet. / Ingenio liquidum possim consendere Caelum, / Si mundi curas fata levare velint. (By raising Psyche to the stars, the handsome grandson of Atlas [Mercury] shows that with ingenuity he may ascend to the stars. With ingenuity I can ascend the clear skies, if Fate would lighten the cares of the world.) Petrus Breugel fec: Romae A[nn]o 1553. / Excud: Houf: cum prae: Caes:

About this work

Overview

River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche is a 16th-century print by Simon Novellanus, dating to circa 1595, executed in etching and engraving on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a peaceful river scene with architectural and vegetal elements, overlaid with mythological figures, identified as Mercury and Psyche, the latter recognizable by the bow and arrow. This juxtaposition blends natural serenity with classical mythological narrative.

Technique & Style

Novellanus employed gentle lines and soft shading to achieve a classical aesthetic. The strategic use of light and shadow enhances the depth and atmospheric quality of the landscape.

History & Provenance

Created around 1595, specific historical ownership or exhibition records for this piece are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work aligns with the artistic tendencies of the Renaissance, characterized by the revival of classical themes and meticulous rendering of natural environments.

Legacy

While the broader impact or notable exhibitions of 'River Landscape with Mercury and Psyche' are not detailed here, it reflects the enduring appeal of Renaissance-style prints in combining mythology with idyllic landscapes.