Cebren (The River God)
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 10.6 × 7.5 cm (4 3/16 × 2 15/16 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Anonymous gift in memory of Charles B. Hoyt
Accession Number
1950.2.5
Art Historical Context
Behold *Cebren (The River)*, a delicate engraving from the early 16th century by an anonymous Netherlandish artist (once attributed to Abraham de Bru). Created between 1501 and 1550, this intimate print captures the mythological figure of Cebren, a deity from classical lore, embodying the Renaissance fascination with ancient gods and nature's spirits. At just 10.6 × 7.5 cm, its diminutive scale invites close viewing, revealing fine details etched with precision on laid paper—a period staple marked by subtle chain lines from the papermaking mold. Engraving, a hallmark of Northern Renaissance p...