Without Ceres and Bacchus, Venus Would Freeze

Jacob Matham, after Hendrick Goltzius

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of mythological figures celebrating abundance. The drawing depicts four figures in a classical setting, surrounded by symbols of prosperity such as grapes and a large tree. An infant points toward the figure with a cornucopia, indicating the sharing of abundance, while another figure appears to hold a cup aloft in a gesture of toast or offering. In the background, rolling hills and classical architectural elements add depth to the scene. The chiaroscuro technique is employed to accentuate the musculature and drapery of the figures.