Avond 1582

"Avond" (Evening) is an engraving by Johann Sadeler I created in 1582, and currently resides at the Rijksmuseum. The work depicts the personified Evening, a nude female figure reclining on a cloud, emanating light from her upper body. Below, a landscape unfolds with figures working the fields, referencing the cycle of labor associated with evening. The contrasting composition, with the divine figure above and the human world below, highlights the relationship between the natural world and the celestial realm. This engraving exemplifies Sadeler's mastery of detail and chiaroscuro, showcasing the complexities of light and shadow.