Sol, from Planets, plate 4

Art Historical Context

"**Sol, from Planets, plate **" is a captivating engraving from the 16th century, created between 1530 and 1570 by Italian master engraver Giulio Bonasone with possible involvement from Georges Reverdy. This yet intricate print (sheet: 6 × 3⅝ in.) forms plate 4 of a seriesifying the planets, here embodying *Sol*, the Roman sun god. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings Prints department, it reflects the Renaissance fascination with classical mythology and the cosmos. Engraving, the medium's hallmark, involved incising designs into a metal plate with a burin, allowing for fine lines and tonal depth that could be reproduced in multiples—a revolutionary technique for disseminating art and ideas during the period. Bonasone, a Bolognese artist influenced by Raphael and Marcantonio Raimondi, excelled in such detailed reproductive prints, blending humanism with astronomical allegory. The tags "Men|Planets" hint at dynamic male figures, likely deities or personifications, evoking the era's blend of science and symbolism. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1927, this work offers a window into 16th-century visual culture, where planets were not just celestial bodies but moral and astrological forces shaping human destiny. A delightful gem for visitors exploring the stars through art! (198 words)

About the Artist

Giulio Bonasone|Georges Reverdy · 1500–1600

Comment on works: History; Mythology