Cyclopen in de smidse van Vulcanus 1757

This is Cyclopen in de smidse van Vulcanus, an engraving by Pieter Tanjé, made sometime in the 18th century. The print depicts three Cyclops figures forging metal within a rounded arch, reminiscent of a classical frieze. The composition is dominated by strong, muscular bodies and a dynamic sense of movement. Tanjé uses a combination of fine lines and shading to create volume and texture. The musculature of the Cyclops is rendered with detailed attention to the play of light and shadow, conveying their physical power. The figures are positioned to lead the eye through the scene, from the foreground anvil to the background of smoke and fire. The print engages with the classical theme of creation and labor, drawing from a rich artistic tradition. By focusing on the physicality and activity of the Cyclops, Tanjé invites us to consider the intersection of mythology, industry, and artistic representation in the 1700s. The formal structure reinforces the print’s subject, offering a powerful image of raw, creative energy.