Sol, the sun 1566 - 1569

Harmen Jansz. Muller created "Sol, the sun" at an unknown date using engraving techniques. The composition is sharply divided between a celestial and terrestrial realm, immediately presenting a structured hierarchy. Above, the sun god Sol is enthroned in a chariot, drawn by spirited horses, a lion hovers nearby; below, a crowd of figures engages in what appears to be earthly pursuits, some playful, others perhaps more contentious. The contrast is stark: the upper zone is airy and dynamic, while the lower is dense and grounded, reflecting a worldview where divine order influences human affairs. Muller's use of line is meticulous, defining forms with clarity and precision. This engraving invites us to consider how early modern artists used mythological imagery to reflect on the human condition and the cosmos.