Sol 1533

This engraving, Sol, was made by Heinrich Aldegrever in the 16th century. In it, we see a naked man kneeling before a crowned figure with a scepter, who sits beneath a sun emblem. Made in Germany, this print reflects the era's fascination with classical mythology, blending it with contemporary social commentary. The subservient figure might represent humanity's dependence on the life-giving sun, but also comments on earthly hierarchies of power and status. The imagery of the print draws on artistic license. The sun emblem, presented as a face, deviates from classical depictions. What makes this print particularly interesting is the rise of printmaking during the Reformation. Artists like Aldegrever found a new medium for disseminating ideas, often challenging established norms. To truly understand this work, we can explore texts from that period to understand the prevailing social and religious ideas. We can then interpret the imagery within the context of Germany's tumultuous reformation era.