Saturn

Saturn

1500-tal

Engraving on paper

Tryckyta 4,40 x 3,00 cm Papper 4,65 x 3,25 cm

G 33/1928

Purchase, 1927

Saturn belongs to a series of allegorical images of the planets (the seven that were known in 1539). Elements from astronomy, alchemy, mythology and everyday life are distilled into something known as an emblem. A man with a wounded leg and worn clothes holds a sickle in one hand and a child under his arm. Behind him, someone is pouring water from a jug, and at his feet, an ibex rests against a wall. What we see are astronomical signs denoting Saturn, Capricorn and Aquarius. The god Saturn ate his own children, but the children cunningly escaped and replaced him. Capricorn represents the month of January – the month when the light grows stronger, the transition from the old to the new. Aquarius pours streams of inspiration over the wall. From darkness comes light, from chaos comes order.

Printed. Prints as collector's items, mass media and showpieces, Göteborg, Göteborgs konstmuseum, 14/03/2020 - 16/08/2020