Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto Offering their Crowns to the Arms of Cardinal Borghese
1640/45
Medium
Etching on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 31 × 43.5 cm (12 1/4 × 17 3/16 in.); Plate: 31.5 × 44 cm (12 7/16 × 17 3/8 in.); Sheet: 32 × 44 cm (12 5/8 × 17 3/8 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
79947
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Simone Cantarini first designed this print for the frontispiece of a doctoral thesis in 1640. Originally the image included the coat of arms of Cardinal Pier Maria Borghese as well as that of the author’s family. Perhaps the scholar was praying for a successful doctoral defense with the help of this powerful dedicatee. Cantarini depicted Jupiter approaching in an eagle-drawn chariot alongside Neptune and Pluto, who offer their crowns of immortality to Borghese. After his death in 1642, the cardi...
About the Artist
Simone Cantarini · 1612–1648
He was one of the most eminent pupils of Guido Reni and one of the most gifted engravers in the tradition of the Carracci. He had a strong personality and developed a highly original style, which united aspects of Bolognese classicism with a bold naturalism. Comment on works: Religious