De vier elementen 1601

"De vier elementen" (The Four Elements), a 1601 engraving by the Flemish artist Wierix (1550–1620), depicts the classical elements of earth, air, fire, and water as personified figures. The engraving, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, features a detailed landscape with four nude female figures representing the four elements. Air, the upper figure, is depicted holding a torch as she floats above the others, while Water pours from a jar. Earth is seated on a rocky outcropping, while a figure representing Fire holds a basket of fruit in her lap. This print demonstrates Wierix's mastery of depicting the human form, classical mythology, and complex composition.