Zondvloed van Deucalion 1589 - 1728

"Zondvloed van Deucalion," a 17th-century etching by Hendrick Goltzius, depicts the Greek myth of Deucalion and Pyrrha, the only survivors of a great flood. The print, housed in the Rijksmuseum, shows Deucalion and Pyrrha stepping out of the ark onto a mountaintop, with figures emerging from the flood in the background. Goltzius, known for his masterful use of line and detail, captures the drama and awe of the biblical story in this evocative artwork, emphasizing the fragility of human life and the power of the natural world. The scene is set in a mountainous landscape, with swirling water and a stormy sky, giving a sense of scale and power to the event. The figures are depicted with expressive poses, showcasing the artist's ability to capture the human form in motion. The artwork is a testament to the artistic legacy of Hendrick Goltzius, a master of Renaissance printmaking who skillfully blended classical and biblical themes in his work.