Terra (Earth)
1587
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1587
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Terra (Earth) is a 1587 ink by Jan Sadeler I, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a woman sitting on the ground, holding a sword in her right hand. She's wearing a long, flowing robe and a headscarf, with a small structure on her head. The background is a mountainous landscape with trees, buildings, and people working. The woman's pose and expression suggest she's strong and powerful. The sword she's holding is decorated with a round object at the top, and she's sitting on a patch of grass with some plants around her. This image is an allegory, representing the Earth. It's an example of Renaissance art, which often featured mythological and symbolic themes. If you're interested in learning more about this style, check out the Renaissance movement.
