Natuur c. 1585 - 1590

"Natuur" (c. 1585-1590) is an engraving by Flemish artist Philips Galle (1537-1612) depicting the allegorical figure of Nature. The artwork features a woman with a bird in one hand and a torch in the other, and a variety of animal heads sprouting from her waist. This print is a depiction of the four elements of nature, symbolized by the bird (air), the torch (fire), the water flowing from the urn (water) and the shovel (earth). The print is held in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The image is a great example of the allegorical works that were popular in the 16th century.