Winter

Art Historical Context

"Winter," an exquisite etching attributed to Battista Anglo del Moro after designs possibly by Giulio Romano, dates to between 1530 and 1573. Measuring just 9 5/16 × 3 3/4 inches, this intimate print captures the stark beauty of the cold season, featuring male figures braving the chill—likely laborers or travelers huddled against the elements. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings Prints department, it entered the collection through The Elisha Whittelsey Fund in 1951, exemplifying the museum's commitment preserving masterful print works. Crafted in etching—a revolutionary 16th-century technique where acid bites into a metal plate to create delicate, expressive lines—this piece reflects the Mannerist style associated with Giulio Romano, a pupil of Raphael known for his dynamic compositions and elongated forms. Del Moro, a Venetian artist influenced by Romano's innovative designs, brought these to life in print form, making high art accessible beyond paintings. Such seasonal depictions were popular in Renaissance Europe, symbolizing the cyclical passage of time and human resilience amid nature's hardships. Visitors will appreciate how "Winter" distills the poetry of endurance into fine lines, inviting reflection on life's seasonal rhythms. A testament to Italian printmaking's golden age, it bridges painting and graphic arts with timeless elegance.