Hendrick Goltzius (Netherlands, 1558-1617), "The Dragon Devouring the Companions of Cadmus," engraving on laid paper after the painting by Cornelis van Haarlem (Netherlands, 1562-1638). Second state of four, with foolscap watermark. 9 3/4" x 12 1/4", 245 mm x 310 mm. The print is framed under glass with ivory mat in a distressed silver-gilt frame. First half 17th century. Bartsch 262; Hollstein 310. Note: The image refers to the mythical story of Cadmus, the legendary founder of Thebes, and two of his brothers, who set out to find their sister Europa after she kidnapped by Zeus. During their travels, they encountered a dragon which devoured the brothers before being slain by Cadmus. The tale is said to represent youthful aspirations being destroyed by wisdom, but it may also have symbolized the political climate of the period, with the dragon representing Spain. Other examples of this image are in the collections of the National Gallery of Canada and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Provenance: The Estates of Olen Bryant and late Vanderbilt University art professor Thomas Brumbaugh, Clarksville/Cottontown, Tennessee.

Overall good condition with light toning and a couple of small spots of foxing. Trimmed along plate mark, hinge mounted along top edge to paper support backing. Previous owner annotations to paper support backing. Some light thumbprints to mat.