Riviergod Scaldis 1586

"Riviergod Scaldis," a 1586 engraving by Philips Galle, depicts the personification of the river Scheldt, a major waterway in the Netherlands and Belgium. The figure, a muscular, nude man, sits on a stone overlooking the river, a crown of reeds on his head symbolizing his dominion over the water. Galle's detailed rendering of the figure, the flowing river, and the distant cityscape of Antwerp, a major port city on the Scheldt, contributes to the artwork's powerful and symbolic imagery. This print was likely created for a larger series of engravings exploring the geography and mythology of the Netherlands. The intricate detail and artistic skill of Galle's work make it a valuable historical and artistic treasure.