Two Female Figures with a Cornucopia (Possible Allegory of Abundance)
Drawing on paper, laid down on an oval secondary support • Circle of Bartholomeus Spranger (1546–1611); possibly by a follower or workshop member such as Hans von Aachen or Joseph Heintz the Elder
Style & Movement
Northern Mannerism (Prague School of Rudolf II)
Medium & Technique
Red or brown chalk with gray/brown wash and white gouache heightening (chiaroscuro drawing technique) on laid paper; fluid, sinuous line work characteristic of late 16th-century draughtsmanship
Creation Period
Late 16th to early 17th century (c. 1580–1620)
Dimensions & Format
Small to medium cabinet drawing; oval (horizontal format), approximately 15 x 20 cm (estimated)
Subject Description
Two mythological or allegorical female figures in a dynamic, intertwined composition. One figure holds a large cornucopia (horn of plenty) overflowing with fruit or flowers, while the other looks on with a stylized, elongated posture. The iconography suggests themes of 'Abundantia' (Abundance) or 'Ceres,' common in the courtly art of the Holy Roman Empire.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows signs of historical aging, including discoloration of the paper and loss of vibrancy in the white heightening
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $6,000 USD (as 'Circle of Spranger')
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $4,000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; the oval mounting suggests it may have been cut from a larger sheet or prepared for a collector's album in the 18th or 19th century. No visible collector's marks are present on the recto.
Art Historical Significance
This work demonstrates the spread of the 'Sprangerstil,' the highly influential international Mannerist style developed at the court of Rudolf II in Prague. It exhibits the characteristic muscular yet elegant anatomy and sophisticated eroticized poses typical of Spranger's output.
Notable Features
The 'serpentine' pose (figura serpentinata) of the figures is a hallmark of Mannerist design. The use of white heightening creates a sculptural, three-dimensional effect typical of preparatory sketches for paintings or engravings.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing/spotting throughout the paper surface; small tears or abrasions at the lower left edge; overall yellowing/browning of the paper support; oxidation of lead white highlights leading to a slightly grayed appearance.
Conservation Recommendations
Requires stabilization by a paper conservator; professional cleaning to mitigate foxing and de-acidification may be necessary. Use of museum-grade UV-filtering glass and acid-free mounting is essential.
Collector Notes
Spranger derived