Artwork
The Perniciousness of Men
The Perniciousness of Men is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jan Sadeler I. It dates from 1586 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:top center in image: IX; lower left in image Joann: Sadeler auctor / et sculptor excud: Martin de Vos figuravit; lower center in image: Genesis capit: 6; lower center in plate: Creuit in immensum numeru miserabile vulgus, / Illicitos iungens thalamos, vetitosque hijmenaeos. / Nulla honor, cultusq; Dei pietasque remansit, / Lustra tamen duodena Deus bis pertulit ista; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: 4378
About this work
Overview
The Perniciousness of Men is an engraving on laid paper created by Jan Sadeler I in 1586. It is currently held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a group of men indulging in food, drink, and music amidst disorder, set against a backdrop of a town with a prominent church tower and a palm tree, suggesting a cautionary theme related to excess or immoral behavior.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases the artist's skillful use of dense, fine lines to create detailed shadows and textures, characteristic of the engraving technique.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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