Lucht 1586

Hendrick Goltzius's 1586 engraving "Lucht" (Air) depicts a powerful, muscular figure of Air, standing amidst swirling clouds and surrounded by various animals, from birds to a chameleon, all representing the elements of the natural world. The figure's powerful stance and the turbulent sky around him represent the powerful force of nature. The engraved lines create a sense of depth and detail, showcasing Goltzius’s skill as a printmaker. The inscription below the image is from a Latin poem by the 16th-century poet, Johannes Secundus. This engraving is part of a series of six prints by Goltzius illustrating the elements (earth, water, air, fire, light, and darkness) and is a celebrated example of Northern Renaissance printmaking.