Omlijsting met vier putti 1515 - 1519

Lucas van Leyden created this print, “Omlijsting met vier putti,” likely in the 1520s, using engraving and woodcut techniques. It depicts a frame adorned with classical architectural elements and playful putti, or cherubic figures. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects the growing influence of the Italian Renaissance on Northern European art. The putti, inspired by classical art, symbolize innocence and divine love, and their presence suggests a celebratory or commemorative function for the frame. Lucas van Leyden was one of the first Dutch printmakers to move away from religious imagery, and this work shows his interest in decorative prints for a growing market of collectors. To fully understand this print, we can consult period pattern books, architectural treatises, and biographical information on Lucas van Leyden. Analyzing the print in its cultural and historical context helps us appreciate its place within the artistic and social landscape of the time.