Engraving
ca. 1540 (made), 1548 (Printed)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This mid 16th-century panel by Cornelis Massys (also spelled Metsys) shows an elaborate panel in the grotesque style. 'Grotesque' derives from the Italian word grottesco. The style was inspired by ancient Roman designs discovered at the end of the 15th century in the underground rooms, or grottoes, of the Golden House of Emperor Nero in Rome.
Grotesque ornament was used to decorate a wide range of objects, such as ceramics, and the style was much copied by Renaissance artists.
A variety of motifs, such as flower and ornament, animal heads and sphinx surround the infant Bacchus, the god of wine. Below him is Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. She is recognisable by her emblems, the cornucopia and ears of corn. Together, Ceres and Bacchus suggest the idea of plenty.
Grotesque ornament was used to decorate a wide range of objects, such as ceramics, and the style was much copied by Renaissance artists.
A variety of motifs, such as flower and ornament, animal heads and sphinx surround the infant Bacchus, the god of wine. Below him is Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. She is recognisable by her emblems, the cornucopia and ears of corn. Together, Ceres and Bacchus suggest the idea of plenty.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Engraving |
Brief description | Cornelis Massys. Ornament with Bacchus and Fortuna in a border of strapwork. Flemish, 1548. |
Physical description | Engraving |
Dimensions |
|
Object history | There is a copy in reverse published by Ducerceau in 1550, an impression of which is in the V&A, inventory number 23089.23. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This mid 16th-century panel by Cornelis Massys (also spelled Metsys) shows an elaborate panel in the grotesque style. 'Grotesque' derives from the Italian word grottesco. The style was inspired by ancient Roman designs discovered at the end of the 15th century in the underground rooms, or grottoes, of the Golden House of Emperor Nero in Rome. Grotesque ornament was used to decorate a wide range of objects, such as ceramics, and the style was much copied by Renaissance artists. A variety of motifs, such as flower and ornament, animal heads and sphinx surround the infant Bacchus, the god of wine. Below him is Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. She is recognisable by her emblems, the cornucopia and ears of corn. Together, Ceres and Bacchus suggest the idea of plenty. |
Bibliographic references |
|
Collection | |
Accession number | 26457:2 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | December 1, 2005 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest