1630 Symplegades, Cornelis Bloemaert (1603-1692) after Pierre Brebiette, folio, classical art

The Symplegades or Clashing Rocks, also known as the Cyanean Rocks, were, according to Greek mythology, a pair of rocks at the Bosphorus that clashed together whenever a vessel went through. They were defeated by Jason and the Argonauts, who would have been lost and killed by the rocks except for Phineus' advice. Jason let a dove fly between the rocks to see exactly how fast they'd have to row to beat the rocks; the dove lost only its tail feathers. The Argonauts rowed mightily to get through and lost only part of the stern ornament.

Cornelis Bloemaert (Dutch, Utrecht 1603–?1684 Rome)

After Pierre Brebiette (French, Mantes-sur-Seine ca. 1598–1642 Paris)

Reference Le Blanc 119

Extremely rare, from the almost unknown series ‘Tableaux des Vertus et Vices’, 1630.

Cornelis Bloemaert II [1603 – 1684] born in Utrecht and studied with his Father Abraham. Originally trained as a painter he devoted himself primarily to print making learned from Crispijn van de Passe. He traveled to Paris in the year 1630 creating prints and in 1633 traveled to Rome. He made many prints of Italian paintings and statuary. He was a member of the Bentvueghels with the nickname Winter and died in Rome.

Last sold in Auction at Sotheby’s Old Master Prints, December 2021, realised US$ 1,170