Aether

Art Historical Context

**Aether** by Hendrik Goltzius, created around 1588–1590, captures the ethereal essence of the mythological figure Aether, the ancient Greek personification of the pure upper air breathed by the gods. This striking chiaroscuro woodcut, printed in luxurious gold, olive, and black inks, hails from the Dutch master's innovative late Renaissance workshop in Haarlem. Goltzius, a virtuoso engraver and printmaker associated with Northern Mannerism, elevated prints to rival paintings through his technical prowess. The chiaroscuro technique—using multiple woodblocks to mimic the dramatic light and shadow (chiaroscuro) of oil paintings—was revolutionary for woodcuts, typically monochromatic. Goltzius's bold use of metallic gold and earthy olive tones adds a heavenly glow, evoking divine radiance and opulence rare in prints of the era. This three-color process demanded exquisite precision, showcasing his mastery in blending tonal subtlety with vivid hues. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection (Department CG-E), **Aether** exemplifies Goltzius's influence on printmaking during the Dutch Golden Age's dawn. It bridged classical mythology with emerging artistic experimentation, delighting collectors who prized such "painted prints" as affordable masterpieces. A testament to 16th-century ingenuity, it invites visitors to marvel at how ink on paper could summon the heavens themselves.

About the Artist

Hendrik Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (1558–1617), born near Viersen in the Duchy of Jülich (modern Germany), emerged as the preeminent Dutch engraver of the Northern Mannerist era. From a lineage of artists—his great-grandfather and grandfather were painters in Venlo, and his father, Jan Goltz II, a glass painter—Goltzius began his training under his father in painting on glass. A childhood fire severely deformed hi...