Tantalus

Sanuto, Giulio, c. 1565

This magnificent print by the Venetian artist Sanuto reproduces a lost painting by Titian that was commissioned by Mary of Hungary. Tantalus was subject to eternal punishment by the gods for having murdered his own son. The so-called torment of Tantalus is a state in which what one desires is always nearby and yet always remains tantalizingly out of reach. When Tantalus reaches for the fruit in the tree, the branches grow; and when he tries to drink the water it recedes.

  • Artwork typeprint, albumblad
  • Object numberRP-P-1999-113
  • Dimensionsheight 447 mm x width 352 mm, height 542 mm x width 385 mm
  • Physical characteristicsets en gravure; bevestigd op inzetstrook