Luna 1512 - 1560

This small engraving, Luna, was made by the German artist Heinrich Aldegrever. Aldegrever lived during the Protestant Reformation. His work reflects the era's shifts in religious and social norms. Here, Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon, stands in an elaborate dress, with a figure counting coins at her feet. Aldegrever was one of the "Little Masters", German printmakers who created small-scale, intricate engravings. The figure of Luna embodies notions of femininity and power. The inclusion of the money-counter raises questions about wealth and its relationship to feminine power, particularly during a period of religious upheaval. The goddess's assured gaze contrasts with the hunched posture of the money counter, perhaps symbolizing changing power dynamics of the time. Aldegrever’s Luna invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between gender, wealth, and authority. The piece resonates with emotional tension, mirroring the anxieties and aspirations of a society in transition.