Artwork
The Mouth of Truth
The Mouth of Truth is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden. It dates from 1512 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Mouth of Truth is a woodcut created by Lucas van Leyden around 1512. It is a print that showcases the artist's skill in the medium.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a man inserting his hand into the mouth of an ancient stone statue, surrounded by onlookers in Renaissance attire. The statue is associated with the legend of the Mouth of Truth, a marble mask said to bite the hands of liars.
Technique & Style
The woodcut demonstrates Lucas van Leyden's proficiency in printmaking, a medium in which he was a leading figure. The work is characteristic of early 16th-century Dutch art, with its focus on genre scenes and detailed rendering of figures and textures.
Context
The print reflects the artist's interest in exploring everyday life and ancient themes, situating it within the broader cultural and artistic trends of the Northern Renaissance.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas van Leyden (1494 – 8 August 1533), was a Dutch painter and printmaker in engraving and woodcut. Lucas van Leyden was among the first Dutch exponents of genre painting and was a very accomplished engraver.
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