1538
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Spring is a 1538 ink by Virgil Solis, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows a busy scene with figures that look like gods or mythical characters. On the left, a man in armor holds a spear while a woman with stars above her head reaches out. In the center, a woman sits on a half-moon, surrounded by animals and flowers. To the right, a winged figure plays a lyre, and a ram stands nearby. The background has clouds and more figures, all drawn with sharp lines and shading. Notice how the figures are labeled with names like *Venus*, *Mars*, and *Mercury*—this suggests they represent ideas or seasons rather than real people. The artist used fine lines to create depth and texture, which is typical for this style. Look up engraving to see how artists like this one made detailed prints from metal plates.
Virgil Solis or Virgilius Solis (1514 – 1 August 1562), a member of a prolific family of artists, was a German draughtsman and printmaker in engraving, etching and woodcut who worked in his native city of Nuremberg.
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