1636 - 1647
Standbeeld van godin met hoorn des overvloeds
Cornelis Bloemaert
1603 - 1684Location
RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This is Cornelis Bloemaert’s drawing of a goddess with a cornucopia. With graphite on paper, Bloemaert captures the texture of the stone statue through subtle gradations of tone and the careful rendering of light and shadow. The figure stands in contrapposto, her weight shifted onto one leg, creating a dynamic S-curve through her body. This posture, common in classical sculpture, lends the figure a sense of movement and life. The folds of her drapery cascade around her, adding to the visual complexity. The eye is drawn to the cornucopia overflowing with fruit, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Bloemaert’s attention to detail and his mastery of line and shading elevate this study beyond a mere reproduction. The drawing functions as an interpretation, engaging with classical ideals, and it becomes a testament to the enduring power of ancient forms. The goddess stands as a signifier of cultural values, reinterpreted through the artist's hand.