Sol, the sun 1566 - 1569

Curator: Here we have "Sol, the sun," an engraving crafted between 1566 and 1569 by Harmen Jansz. Muller. It's currently held at the SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark. Editor: The immediate impression is chaotic exuberance! The sun god dominates, but below him, figures are wrestling, tumbling; there's such an energy here, it is teeming with life. The monochrome heightens the contrast and feeling. Curator: Absolutely, the composition is complex. Above, Sol is presented in his chariot, pulled by powerful steeds through the heavens, complete with figures. Below on earth a group is engaged in what looks like competitive fighting or some celebration or ritual. We can also appreciate symbols linked with classical themes: chariots and sun imagery being fairly known signifiers. Editor: Right. Given the tumultuous period in Europe and the rise of humanism, could we see the figures below as symbolic of human strife and triumph and all of it bathed and witnessed by "Sol" above, both benevolent and perhaps aloof from earthly problems? I am immediately drawn into questions of how authority watches its subjects. Curator: It’s a provocative reading, linking cosmic order to terrestrial events. The allegory certainly resonates with a very distinct era, one trying to reconcile classical learning and a religious society undergoing reformation. What do you see here regarding religious dogma? Editor: What catches my attention is its apparent detachment from direct religious iconography, something remarkable for its time. "Sol" comes off almost philosophical. "He" presides over humans; he doesn't necessarily intervene. I am especially curious about the bodies interlinked here and how sexuality plays a role given our current times. Curator: An important thread to bring forward; the bodies seem robust and expressive without shame. It underlines, again, the interesting dynamic the image puts in motion—looking at these historical contexts and what it means for current day readings, I do like it very much. Editor: The artist and his approach clearly invited engagement. Muller created an amazing, visually rich creation that makes me see themes of power and society—historical and very much a concern for how things are read, engaged with and seen even to this day.