Spring 1640 - 1699

This print titled "Spring" is of unknown origin. The artist uses a dense arrangement of finely etched lines to conjure a world of texture and pattern. Note how the composition is dominated by the interlocking figures of a man and a woman. The artist contrasts the soft, curling forms of their hair and clothing with the rigid geometry of the man’s military attire. These linear patterns create a visual rhythm across the surface, guiding our eye through the scene. The way the figures are framed by the natural elements of the tree and the distant landscape, suggests a symbolic representation of the season. Consider how the artist employs the technique of hatching to model the forms. This not only defines the shape of the figures but also adds depth to the image. This delicate rendering invites us to examine the artwork closely, prompting us to reflect on the relationship between form and meaning.