Fine Art Print : Allegory of the elements, 17th century
Fine Art Prints from Science Photo Library
Allegory of the elements, 17th century
Allegory of the elements. 17th-century artwork showing an allegorical scene depicting a central nude female figure surrounded by men engaged in occupations symbolising the four Aristotelian elements. An alchemist (left) represents fire, a fisherman (lower centre) represents water, a digger (upper left) represents earth, and a hawker (upper centre) represents air. This engraving is by the Flemish artist Johannes Wierix (1539-1620). It dates from 1601, and was accompanied by a short verse in both Flemish and French
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9227677
© GREGORY TOBIAS/CHEMICAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1600s 17th Century Alchemical Alchemist Alchemy Allegory Art History Chemist Countryside Digger Digging Distillation Apparatus Distilling Element Elemental Engraving Falconer Fire Fisherman Fishing Flemish Flying French Furnace Hawker Heavenly Labourer Muse Nude Nudity Outdoors Outside Scientist Symbol Symbolic Symbols 1601 Allegorial Hawking Johannes Wierix Lust
20"x16" (+3" Border) Fine Art Print
Discover the timeless beauty of the Allegory of the Elements, a captivating 17th-century masterpiece from Science Photo Library's Media Storehouse Fine Art Prints collection. This evocative work of art brings to life the Aristotelian elements through a central nude female figure surrounded by men representing Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Each fine art print is meticulously reproduced with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring the vibrant colors and intricate textures of the original artwork are faithfully preserved. Bring the rich history and allure of this iconic piece into your home or office space and elevate your décor with the Media Storehouse range of Fine Art Prints.
20x16 image printed on 26x22 Fine Art Rag Paper with 3" (76mm) white border. Our Fine Art Prints are printed on 300gsm 100% acid free, PH neutral paper with archival properties. This printing method is used by museums and art collections to exhibit photographs and art reproductions.
Our fine art prints are high-quality prints made using a paper called Photo Rag. This 100% cotton rag fibre paper is known for its exceptional image sharpness, rich colors, and high level of detail, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and artists. Photo rag paper is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print. If you can afford to spend more on a higher quality paper, then Photo Rag is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 50.8cm x 37.2cm (20" x 14.6")
Estimated Product Size is 66cm x 55.9cm (26" x 22")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 17th-century artwork, titled "Allegory of the Elements" transports us back in time to a world where symbolism and artistry intertwined. Created by Flemish artist Johannes Wierix in 1601, this engraving beautifully depicts an allegorical scene showcasing the four Aristotelian elements. At its center stands a nude female figure, representing the essence of nature itself. Surrounding her are men engaged in various occupations symbolizing each element. To her left, an alchemist tends to a furnace, embodying fire's transformative power. In the lower center, a fisherman captures water's fluidity and life-giving properties. The upper left corner features a digger immersed in earthy labor, signifying stability and grounding. Finally, an elegant falconer represents air's ethereal qualities as he commands his bird above. The intricate details within this monochrome print highlight both human ingenuity and our connection with the natural world. Each character exudes purpose and meaning as they contribute to the harmony of existence. Accompanied by verses written in both Flemish and French languages, this artwork serves as a testament to humanity's eternal fascination with elemental forces. It invites contemplation on our place within these cosmic realms while celebrating the beauty found in every facet of creation. "Allegory of the Elements" is not just an artistic masterpiece but also a window into history—a glimpse at how past generations sought to understand their surroundings through visual storytelling.
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