Melancholic Temperament c. 1530 - 1562

"Melancholic Temperament" (c. 1530 - 1562), an engraving by Virgil Solis, depicts the personification of Melancholy as a seated woman, her head resting on her hand, with a swan draped over her shoulder and a deer lying at her feet. This small, intricately detailed print, part of a series illustrating the four humors, is a testament to Solis’s mastery of Renaissance printmaking, showcasing his attention to detail and understanding of classical symbolism. The artwork is located in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.