Aarde 1560 - 1600

Johann Sadeler’s engraving, made in the Netherlands around 1600, allegorically depicts the earth, or Terra. Sadeler’s image is filled with visual codes. Terra is presented as a nude woman, crowned with flowers and surrounded by fruits and vegetables: symbols of fertility. In the background, different animals inhabit a diverse landscape. The image evokes a sense of abundance, harmony, and the bounty of nature. It reflects the cultural and philosophical interest during the late Renaissance in classical antiquity and the natural sciences. In this historical context, institutions such as universities and scientific societies played a key role in promoting the study of nature. The engraving suggests an optimistic view of the relationship between humanity and the natural world, highlighting the potential for knowledge and progress. To fully appreciate the image, we might research the scientific and artistic conventions of the 16th century. The social meaning of art is always contingent on its historical context.