{"product_id":"allegorie-op-de-voorspoed-van-een-kardinaal-samuel-henri-mendes-da-costa","title":"Allegorie op de voorspoed van een kardinaal - Samuel Henri Mendes da Costa","description":"\u003cp\u003eA detailed 1886 etching by Samuel Henri Mendes da Costa, depicting a classical allegorical scene of prosperity and intellectual pursuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis etching by Samuel Henri Mendes da Costa, dated 20 February 1886, presents a complex allegorical scene. The composition centres on a seated female figure, rendered with the muscularity and dramatic posture characteristic of late nineteenth-century academic training. She is surrounded by symbolic objects, including a cornucopia overflowing with fruit and grain, which suggests themes of abundance and prosperity. Beside her, a large book and various implements rest on the ground, indicating intellectual or ecclesiastical pursuits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe background features a sunburst in the upper left corner, casting light across the scene, while the right side transitions into a more turbulent, cloud-filled atmosphere. Within this space, faint, ghostly figures appear to be in motion, providing a contrast to the stillness of the central figure. The artist employs a rigorous system of hatching and cross-hatching to define form and shadow, creating a sense of volume and depth. The line work is precise, reflecting a disciplined approach to printmaking that prioritises clarity of form and narrative legibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMendes da Costa, a Dutch artist, demonstrates here the influence of classical iconography. The work functions as a visual meditation on the nature of success and the trappings of power, specifically referencing the life of a cardinal. The juxtaposition of the serene, seated figure with the dynamic, almost ethereal background elements creates a tension between the material world and the abstract concepts of fortune and divine favour. The print is a fine example of the technical proficiency expected of artists during this period, where the mastery of the etching needle was essential for conveying both texture and light. The work remains a clear demonstration of the artist's ability to synthesise classical motifs with a personal, graphic sensibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-roses-of-heliogabalus-sir-lawrence-alma-tadema\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Roses of Heliogabalus - Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema — Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ladera-occidental-del-cerro-de-guerrero-jose-maria-velasco\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eLadera occidental del cerro de Guerrero - José María Velasco — José María Velasco\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Samuel Henri Mendes da Costa","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58715901329743,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58715965587791,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58715965620559,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58715965653327,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58715965686095,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58715965718863,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58715965751631,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58715965784399,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58715965817167,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58715965849935,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58715965882703,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58715965915471,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Allegorie-op-de-voorspoed-van-een-kardinaal_Poster_CompositorV1_1788876169318.jpg?v=1788877348","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/products\/allegorie-op-de-voorspoed-van-een-kardinaal-samuel-henri-mendes-da-costa","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}