Banquet of Olympus

Artist Bartholomaeus Spranger (Flemish, 1546-1611)

Date16th century

MediumPen and black ink with brush and blue wash

DimensionsIMAGE: 13 1/4 x 9 5/16 in. (33.7 x 23.7 cm)
FRAMED: 29 1/2 x 25 5/8 in. (74.9 x 65.1 cm)

ClassificationsDrawings

Credit LineMuseum purchase, 1961

Object numberSN716

Having worked in Italy for over ten years-first in Milan and Parma and later near Rome-the Antwerp-born artist, Bartholomaeus Spranger demonstrates significant Italianate qualities in his work. Profoundly influenced by the elegance of Correggio and stylization of Parmigianino, Spranger's own treatment of the human form is marked by distinct sensuality and eroticism. Combining this with his Netherlandish training, Spranger became one of the leading proponents of a style that came to be known as Northern Mannerism. Spranger employed engravers to make prints after his drawings as early as the 1580s (including the famed, Hendrick Goltzius), and the Ringling sheet was almost definitely produced for this purpose. Though it does not show any evidence of its intended transfer, the loose ink and wash was typical of his designs for print. This provided the printmaker a greater degree of freedom in interpreting the work for linear replication.

On View

Not on view