Ovale medaillon met de zon c. 1615 - 1620

Willem de Haen created this oval medallion with the sun using etching techniques. The composition is immediately striking; an oval medallion dominates the center, its radiant sun face gazing outwards. This central motif is flanked by allegorical figures atop a decorated base, creating a balanced yet dynamic arrangement. The lines are precise, typical of etching, giving the work a crisp, detailed texture, while the limited tonal range focuses attention on form and structure. The sun, rendered with anthropomorphic features, evokes classical mythology. The symmetrical composition and the balanced interaction of figures around the central emblem speak to the humanist interest in order and harmony, but here, the symmetry is disrupted. The sun's gaze challenges fixed meanings, inviting us to consider how traditional symbols can be reconfigured in a period of evolving philosophical thought. Consider how the artist has arranged the elements within the frame, creating a formal dialogue that is both visually engaging and intellectually stimulating. The artwork challenges our interpretation and reaffirms the enduring power of art to provoke new insights.