Virgil Suspended in a Basket, copy 1541 - 1600

Georg Pencz's "Virgil Suspended in a Basket" is a sixteenth-century engraving that depicts the Roman poet Virgil being lowered in a basket to escape angry citizens. The print, a copy of an earlier work, showcases Pencz's mastery of detailed linework and his talent for depicting dynamic scenes. The scene is set in a bustling cityscape, providing a glimpse into daily life in the Renaissance period. The figures' expressive gestures and the composition's emphasis on movement add a sense of urgency and drama to the event. The Art Institute of Chicago holds this small but impactful print.