Ceres

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Ceres

Artist Abraham Blooteling (Dutch, 1640-1690)

Date1676

Dimensionsimage: 6 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. (15.9 x 14 cm)

MediumMezzotint printed in black ink on laid paper

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineWilliam J. Hitchcock Fund in Memory of Grace J. Hitchcock

Object number

1989.33

Not on View

Label TextIt is only fitting that Ceres, the ancient Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, should be depicted as a young and healthy woman wielding a full basket of sheathed grain. Snakes, often associated with good health in ancient religions, intertwine with the uncut grain at the goddess’s feet. Abraham Blooteling was one of the early practitioners of the mezzotint printing technique (for printing definitions please see the Understanding Printmaking gallery guides throughout this exhibition). Mezzotint is particularly suited to producing the rich darks and contrasting lights popular in Baroque art. In 1660, Blooteling was in Paris where he met Wallerant Vaillant (see Vaillant’s work in this exhibition), who probably introduced him to mezzotinting. Blooteling often spent time in England and was instrumental in introducing mezzotint there. He was father-in-law to Gerard Valck, whose work also appears in this exhibition.Published ReferencesHollsyein, F.W.H., Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700, Vol. II, Amsterdam, 1952 (?), p.256, no. 225.Exhibition HistoryTMA, The Dramatic Image: Baroque Prints of the 17th Century, February 25 - July 31, 2011.