Saturn, From the Seven Planets, Plate 1, c. 1532-1562
Virgil Solisexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Gift of Elizabeth, Julie, and Catherine Andrus in memory of John and Marion Andrusexpand_more 2015.93.139
Not on Viewexpand_more
People of Early Modern Germany loved astrology, convinced that one’s calling in life was ruled by the planets. Criminals, invalids, and laborers (including artists) all fell under Saturn, then considered the coldest, most distant planet, and the one associated with the onset of winter. Like winter, Saturn was merciless: he ate his sons and killed his father with a scythe. He was also the Roman god of agriculture. Virgil Solis encompassed multiple aspects of Saturn’s power. Raging across the sky in his dragon-drawn chariot, he rules over the winter chores of hard-working laborers, who plow their fields and slaughter their livestock.
Details
- Title
- Saturn, From the Seven Planets, Plate 1
- Artist Life
- 1514–1562
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2015.93.139
- Provenance
- [Christopher Mendez, London; sold to Andrus]; John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Hollstein 403; Bartsch 163 (vol. 9, p. 265); O'Dell-Franke e36 (only state)
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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