GOUDT, Hendrick after Adam Elsheimer

1612

Engraving

8 x 8 5/8" SHEET

In Roman poet Ovid's Metamorphoses, he recounts the tale of a poor and elderly couple, Philemon and Baucis, who graciously hosted Jupiter (Zeus) and Mercury (Hermes), though they appeared disguised as beggars. Philemon and Baucis cordially invited them in, offering what little food and wine they had. In this print you see Baucis, in the background, gathering food while Philemen offers them a blanket. The gods eventually revealed their true identities and rewarded their hosts for their hospitality. Though this print derives it subject matter from the antique, the ideas it imparted (charity and selflessness) form the basis of Christianity and would have resonated with Hendrik Goudts audience as such. Indeed, in the Book of Hebrews, 13:2 of the Bible it is written: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

1612

GOUDT, Hendrick after Adam Elsheimer

b. Germany, 1587 - 1610 (Goudt) and b. Germany, 1585 - 1630 (Elsheimer)

Gift of Professor Alfred Moir

1973.141