Tantalus

Tantalus, created by Hans Holbein the Younger between 1535 and 1540, exemplifies the detailed craftsmanship of Northern Renaissance drawing during the final decades of the 1501 to 1550 period. This elaborate piece is rendered in pen and black ink with watercolors, dramatically heightened using gold on laid paper. Holbein's meticulous technique, combining the precise lines of ink with delicate washes of color and applied metallic sheen, elevates the classical subject matter beyond a simple preparatory sketch to a highly finished presentation drawing.

Dating from the height of his career while working primarily in England, the work reflects the Younger's sophisticated command of mythological narrative. Although widely celebrated for his iconic Tudor portraiture, Holbein frequently interpreted classical and biblical themes, filtering them through a distinctly German aesthetic characterized by sharp linearity and expressive detail. The work illustrates the tragic figure of Tantalus, condemned to eternal punishment in the underworld where he is simultaneously afflicted by an unreachable feast and undrinkable water. This subject served as a potent moral exemplum favored by Renaissance humanists for its illustration of divine punishment for hubris.

As a vital example of early modern German draftsmanship, the piece is part of the distinguished collection at the National Gallery of Art. The powerful combination of drawing and color demonstrates why the Younger was considered one of Europe's foremost artistic talents. Due to the historical age of the drawing, the image has entered the public domain, making reference prints and academic reproductions accessible globally. This availability ensures that Holbein’s legacy as a master draftsman of mythological scenes continues to be studied and appreciated worldwide.