Circular Design with Saturn 1583

Jonas Silber's "Circular Design with Saturn" from 1583 depicts a seated figure, likely the Roman god Saturn, holding a scythe and leaning against a tree. The detailed background showcases a cityscape, perhaps symbolic of Saturn's rule over time, with a hill in the distance and a winding river at the bottom. Silber was a prolific German engraver who tragically passed away young, making this piece a valuable testament to his artistic talent. The intricate detail and circular format are characteristic of the Renaissance, and the image is a striking example of the use of engraving for symbolic and narrative purposes. The piece is currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago.