This engraving illustrates the four seasons: Spring, represented

Acquired From: Paulus Swaen

Colouring: Uncoloured

Condition: Excellent

Confirmed: No

Date Acquired: 2020

Dealers ID No.: 45927

Description: This engraving illustrates the four seasons: Spring, represented by a spade and budding flowers; Summer, depicted with a scythe, a cornucopia, and symbols of the harvest; Autumn, featuring abundant grapes ready for winemaking; and Winter, characterized by bare trees, firewood, and fur-lined coats for warmth.nThe planets are personified as deities from mythology:n Saturn, the god of generation, is shown holding a newborn child aloft.n Luna (the Moon) appears as a woman embodying the divine essence of the moon.n Mars, the god of war, is depicted wielding a sword.n Mercury, the messenger of the gods, is portrayed with his winged helmet and feet, holding his caduceus.n Jupiter, the god of sky and thunder, holds lightning in his right hand.n Venus, the goddess of love, is accompanied by Cupid and his arrow.nAdditional elements include depictions of the days of the week, sunrise and sunset, the longest day, the longest night, the number of days in each month, and the hours in a day. A feast day is also mentioned.nAt the centre is a celestial representation, showcasing the stars of the solar system, the phases of the lunar cycle, and the mighty sun occupying the very middle. The sun is further personified by a figure at the top centre of the heavens, symbolizing its central role in the cosmos.

Engraver: Spiegel, Johann

First published: Salzburg

Image Size (cm): 19×22

Mapmaker: Sautter, Jeremias

Notes: Purchase details (sourced from internet)

Price: A250 plus gst

Primary Category: Prints & Related Material

Rarity: R3 Uncommon – dealers can usually obtain a copy

Sheet size (cm): 21×27

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: ca. 1680

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