Prostibula vel (ut mollius dicam) amica Veneta; Ducis Veneti Vxor; Nobilis matrona Veneta; Virgo Veneta
Medium
Engraving
Dimensions
Image: 8 11/16 × 12 15/16 in. (22 × 32.8 cm) Frame: 10 3/8 × 14 5/8 in. (26.4 × 37.1 cm) Sheet: 21 5/16 × 16 5/16 in. (54.2 × 41.5 cm) Book: 21 7/8 × 16 3/4 × 1 15/16 in. (55.5 × 42.5 × 5 cm)
Classification
Books|Prints|Ornament & Architecture
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1921
Accession Number
21.44(97)
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
About this artwork
Prostibula vel (ut mollius dicam) amica Veneta; Ducis Veneti Vxor; Nobilis matrona Veneta; Virgo Veneta is a books|prints|ornament & architecture by Flemish artist Joos de Bosscher|Abraham de Bruyn, created in 1580. The work was created using engraving. It measures Image: 8 11/16 × 12 15/16 in. (22 × 32.8 cm) Frame: 10 3/8 × 14 5/8 in. (26.4 × 37.1 cm) Sheet: 21 5/16 × 16 5/16 in. (54.2 × 41.5 cm) Book: 21 7/8 × 16 3/4 × 1 15/16 in. (55.5 × 42.5 × 5 cm). Printmaking during this period was an ess...
Art Historical Context
This enchanting engraving from 1580, titled *stibula vel (ut mollius dicam) amica Veneta; Duciseti Vxor; Nobilis matrona Veneta Virgo Veneta*, captures distinct Venetian women—a courtesan (or "mistress"), the Doge's wife, a noble matron, and a virgin—likely as part of a costume book by Flemish artist Abraham de Bruyn, with engraving attributed to Joos de Boss. Created during the late Renaissance, these detailed images reflect the era's fascination with social hierarchy, fashion, and regional identities, showcasing Venice's vibrant cultural melting pot. Engraving, a meticulous intaglio technique involving incised metal plates inked and pressed onto paper, was revolutionary for its precision and reproducibility. In the 16th century, such prints democratized access to elite imagery, serving as both aesthetic treasures for collectors and documentary records of attire and ornamentation. Classified under books, prints, and ornament & architecture, this sheet (image: 8⅝ × 12¾ in.) hails from a larger volume, highlighting Flemish mastery in disseminating European styles across borders. Acquired via the Rogers Fund in 1921, it resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, offering visitors a window into 16th-century gender roles and opulent Venetian society. A delightful blend of artistry and social commentary!
About the Artist
Joos de Bosscher|Abraham de Bruyn (Netherlandish|Flemish) · 1491 |1540 –1591 |1587
Netherlandish, active Amsterdam 1587–died 1591|Flemish, Antwerp 1540–1587 Cologne (?)