Who painted Three Herms?

Three Herms was painted by Giovanni Mauro della Rovere in 1634.

Where can I see Three Herms?

Three Herms is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Three Herms?

Three Herms is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Three Herms?

Museum-quality prints of Three Herms are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Three Herms

Giovanni Mauro della Rovere , 1634

Three Herms is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Giovanni Mauro della Rovere. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left verso in pen and brown ink: H.B.; upper right verso in graphite:della Rovere / (Gere)

About this work

Overview

Three Herms is a drawing executed around 1634 by the Italian artist Giovanni Mauro della Rovere. Rendered on gray laid paper, the work presents a composition of three herm figures, rendered in pen and black ink, enhanced with gray wash and selective white highlights applied over a black chalk underdrawing.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a layered approach, beginning with a black chalk sketch that establishes the forms. Over this base, pen lines define the contours, while a gray wash adds tonal depth. Strategic white heightening accentuates highlights, creating contrast against the dark underdrawing and lending a subtle three‑dimensional effect to the herms.

History & Provenance

Created in the early seventeenth century, Three Herms reflects della Rovere’s practice during the Baroque period. While specific ownership records are scarce, the drawing is documented as part of the artist’s oeuvre from circa 1634, illustrating his interest in classical motifs and the study of sculptural forms.