Sol 1579 - 1609

This print of Sol was made by Wierix around 1579 using the technique of engraving. That means lines were incised into a copper plate with a tool called a burin. Consider the skill required to manipulate the burin with such precision. You can see this in the figure's robes, which are described through dense cross-hatching. Notice the careful tonal gradations that give the image depth, and the crispness of the lines, which is characteristic of engraving. Prints like this one were relatively inexpensive at the time, and circulated widely. They served many purposes, from decoration to religious devotion. The dissemination of images became a kind of visual economy, reflecting the rise of mercantile capitalism in the Netherlands. Wierix was not only an artist but a businessman, keenly aware of the market for his wares. Ultimately, this small engraving speaks volumes about the material culture of its time.