Spring 1601

"Spring" (1601) is a black and white etching by Dutch artist Jan Saenredam (1565-1607) that depicts the season of spring through allegorical figures. The image showcases a man and woman, dressed in fine clothing, standing in a lush garden with animals, such as lambs and a deer. The man is holding a bird’s nest, perhaps symbolizing the start of a new life. The woman is adorned with a pearl necklace and flowers, highlighting the beauty and bounty of spring. Above them, Cupid flies with an arrow in hand, adding a romantic element to the scene. The etching is held at the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen, Denmark.