Vulcan and the Cyclopes Forging Arrows
1401 to 1500
Medium
engraving
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Mr. Parker Lesley
Accession Number
1982.28.2
Art Historical Context
This engraving, titled "Vulcan and the Cyclopes Forging Arrows," brings to life a vivid scene from classical mythology. Created in the 15th century by the printmaker Master FG after a design by Francesco Primaticcio, the work demonstrates the power of engraving to capture dynamic movement and fine detail. The medium allowed artists to reproduce complex compositions with precision, making mythological narratives widely available to collectors and scholars across Europe. Primaticcio, known for his elegant Mannerist style and work at the French court of Fontainebleau, frequently explored themes ...