Ceres en Stellio 1620 - 1670

This etching, Ceres en Stellio, was made by Karel van Mander III in the Netherlands during the 17th Century. It depicts a scene from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a mythological poem that was very popular at the time. Van Mander was part of a vibrant artistic community, where prints played a crucial role in disseminating ideas and images. They weren't just copies; they were often artistic creations in their own right. Looking at the visual codes in this image, it is clear that Mander was tapping into the visual language of his time. The classical subject matter reflects the humanist education of the Dutch Golden Age, but it also offers an opportunity to comment on contemporary society. The figure of Stellio being turned into a lizard for mocking Ceres could be interpreted as a warning against disrespect for authority or tradition. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting these cultural artifacts. By studying prints like this, along with archival materials and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political context in which they were created.