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Saturn

Gabriele Giolito de' Ferrara

1534

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

Dominant colour

Saturn is a 1534 ink by Gabriele Giolito de' Ferrara, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Gabriele Giolito de' Ferrara
When & what style?: 1534 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This woodcut shows a busy scene with a mix of people and strange creatures. In the center, a hooded man holds a baby while others gather around him. Above, a winged figure labeled "Saturnus" floats with cherubs and a scythe. The background has a window, a tiny village, and swirling clouds. Tiny animals and plants fill the corners. The hooded man might be Saturn, the Roman god of time. His serious face and the baby could hint at harvest or change. The Latin words around the edges add mystery. Look up woodcut to see how this printmaking technique works.