The Daughters of the Po with River Gods
Medium
pen and brown ink and brown wash and watercolor, heightened with white, red, and green gouache and indented for transfer on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 61.5 x 62.8 cm (24 3/16 x 24 3/4 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Dian Woodner
Accession Number
2006.100.1
Art Historical Context
Created in 1591 by Swiss artist Joseph Heintz the Elder, *The Daughters of the Po with River Gods* depicts a mythological scene personifying the river Po and its tributaries alongside male river deities. Heintz, who trained in Italy and later served as court artist to Emperor Rudolf II in Prague, worked in the elegant, elongated style of Northern Mannerism. The large sheet—over two feet square—reveals his skill at blending narrative clarity with decorative grace. The drawing’s rich technique underscores its importance as a finished work rather than a quick sketch. Heintz combined pen and ink ...