Spring was painted by Conrad Meyer in 1646.

Where can I see Spring?

Spring is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Spring?

Spring is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Spring?

Museum-quality prints of Spring are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Spring

Conrad Meyer , 1646

Spring is an ink print by the Baroque artist Conrad Meyer. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in plate: Con: Meyer fecit et excu:

About this work

Overview

Conrad Meyer's Spring (1646) is an etching and engraving on laid paper, showcasing the artist's technical proficiency in the medium. Created during the Baroque period, the print exemplifies Meyer's transition from painting to copper engraving, a field in which he would produce over a thousand works.

Subject & Meaning

The serene landscape of Spring features a dominant tree, a shepherd with his flock, freely roaming animals (including a lion), and a distant cityscape. This harmonious coexistence of nature, human activity, and wildlife may symbolize the season's themes of renewal and balance.

Technique & Style

Meyer's use of etching and engraving techniques achieves depth and texture, with meticulous attention to the tree's branches and animal fur. The interplay of light and shadow guides the viewer's eye through the composition, reflecting the Baroque emphasis on visual storytelling.

History & Provenance

A student of Matthäus Merian, Meyer's work in Spring aligns with the Swiss artistic traditions of the 17th century. Originally a painter of portraits and landscapes, Meyer shifted focus to copper engraving, with Spring being an early example of his mastery in this medium.

Context

Spring can be contextualized within the broader Baroque movement, alongside works by contemporaries like Rembrandt and Vermeer, who also explored light, shadow, and detailed realism in their pieces.

Legacy

While Spring specifically may not have spawned a direct lineage of works, it contributes to Meyer's overall legacy as a prolific copper engraver, influencing the development of Swiss printmaking in the Baroque era.