Artwork
Sun
Sun is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1539 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sebald Beham’s 1539 engraving titled *Sun* presents a compact, meticulously rendered scene typical of the German “Little Masters.” Executed on a copper plate, the print measures only a few inches across yet conveys a complex allegorical composition through fine line work and careful shading.
Subject & Meaning
At the centre stands a crowned figure, robed in a tunic and leggings, poised atop a lion. In the right hand a scepter signifies authority, while a mirror in the left reflects the radiant sun behind the scene. The surrounding trees, water, and distant cityscape frame the figure as an embodiment of solar power and sovereign rule.
Technique & Style
Beham employs the high‑relief engraving technique that allows for dense cross‑hatching and delicate stippling, producing subtle gradations of tone. The small scale demands precise incisions, resulting in a crisp delineation of the lion’s mane, the folds of the garment, and the reflective surface of the mirror, hallmarks of the “Little Masters” aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created in Nuremberg, the work reflects the influence of Albrecht Dürer on a generation of German printmakers. *Sun* circulated among collectors of the mid‑16th century, and surviving impressions are documented in several European museum collections, confirming its continued scholarly interest and preservation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
