Saturnus after 1585

This engraving of Saturn, the Roman god of time and agriculture, was made by Jan Collaert the Younger in Antwerp. Collaert produced this print, which visualizes classical mythology, within a booming print industry that served an increasingly literate public. Note how Saturn is carrying a scythe and a child. According to myth, he devoured his children to prevent them from overthrowing him. The image creates meaning through these visual codes, which would have been well understood by Collaert’s audience. The culture of 16th-century Antwerp was shaped by its status as a major port and commercial center, as well as its location in the Spanish Netherlands. Antwerp's printing industry flourished in this environment, producing books, maps, and prints for a global market. Through art, Antwerp could represent its sense of self and project it out into the world. To fully understand this print, we can consult sources such as classical literature, emblem books, and contemporary accounts of Antwerp. By situating art within its social and institutional context, we can better appreciate its meaning and significance.