Open full image Pin

Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet)

Hans the Younger Collaert

1592

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

Dominant colour

Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet) is a 1592 ink by Hans the Younger Collaert, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Hans the Younger Collaert
When & what style?: 1592 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving depicts a man sitting at a desk, surrounded by various objects. He is dressed in a robe and hat, holding a compass in his right hand. The desk is cluttered with books, papers, and other items, including a globe, a telescope, and a small dog lying on the floor. The room is filled with natural light, and the walls are adorned with paintings and sculptures. The man's attire and the objects on the desk suggest that he is an astronomer or scientist, engaged in studying the stars and the natural world. The globe and telescope on the desk reinforce this idea, as they were commonly used tools for astronomical observations during the Renaissance period. The engraving is a beautiful example of Renaissance art, with intricate details and textures that bring the scene to life. To learn more about this style of art, explore the Renaissance movement.