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Goltzius

Goltzius

Goltzius, Hendrik or Hendrick, 1558-1617, Dutch line engraver and painter; son of a stained-glass painter. He is said to have blended the naturalism of Northern European art with the classicism of Italy. Early in life he established himself as a printer in Haarlem, returning there after extensive travel in Italy and Germany. Goltzius was one of the greatest draftsmen of his era despite a drawing hand that was severely deformed from a childhood accident. Extremely popular in his day, he was a very versatile engraver, successfully imitating many styles, particularly those of Lucas van Leyden, Dürer, and various Italian masters. He was also known for his engraved portraits. In all, Goltzius produced about 500 plates of great virtuosity and considerable beauty. He turned from engraving to painting c.1600 and produced about 50 painted works, e.g., Danaë (Los Angeles County Mus.)

(born 1558, Mulebrecht, Neth.—died Jan. 1, 1617, Haarlem) Dutch printmaker and painter. He set up his own copperplate-engraving business in Haarlem and became the leading master of Dutch Mannerist engraving. His early works included reproductions of prints by Albrecht Dürer and Lucas van Leyden. Among his best-known original prints are an engraving of the Farnese Hercules (circa 1592), the chiaroscuro woodcut Hercules Killing Cacus (1588), and the series Roman Heroes (1586). His miniature portrait drawings are outstanding, and his landscape drawings anticipate the great 17th-century landscapes. His paintings, done late in his career, are less impressive, but his technique as an engraver was unsurpassed.

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(born 1558, Mulebrecht, Neth.—died Jan. 1, 1617, Haarlem) Dutch printmaker and painter. He set up his own copperplate-engraving business in Haarlem and became the leading master of Dutch Mannerist engraving. His early works included reproductions of prints by Albrecht Dürer and Lucas van Leyden. Among his best-known original prints are an engraving of the Farnese Hercules (circa 1592), the chiaroscuro woodcut Hercules Killing Cacus (1588), and the series Roman Heroes (1586). His miniature portrait drawings are outstanding, and his landscape drawings anticipate the great 17th-century landscapes. His paintings, done late in his career, are less impressive, but his technique as an engraver was unsurpassed.

Learn more about Goltzius, Hendrick with a free trial on Britannica.com.

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