Aristotle and Phyllis
by BEER, Jan de, Pen and brown ink, 275 x 191 mm
Jan de Beer was one of the most characteristic representatives of the Antwerp Mannerism. These artists mainly drew inspiration from Late Gothic forms but by applying heightened decorativity and seeking to achieve extraordinary effects they gradually broke away from the ideals of fifteenth-century art.
The drawing depicts the philosopher Aristotle crawling about with the lovely Phyllis on his back, holding reins and a switch, with two figures in an arch beyond at right.