Who painted Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet)?

Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet) was painted by Hans the Younger Collaert in 1592.

Where can I see Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet)?

Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet)?

Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet) is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet)

Hans the Younger Collaert , 1592

Lapis Polaris, Magnes (The Lodestone, The Magnet) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans the Younger Collaert. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Hans the Younger Collaert’s engraving Lapis Polaris, Magnes, dated around 1592, presents a detailed interior scene centered on a seated figure. Rendered on laid paper, the print captures a study space filled with scholarly paraphernalia, illuminated by daylight that streams through an unseen window.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, clad in a robe and hat, holds a compass, suggesting a focus on measurement and navigation. Surrounding objects—a globe, telescope, stacked books, and scattered papers—indicate an engagement with celestial observation and the broader pursuit of natural knowledge typical of Renaissance scholars.

Technique & Style

Collaert employs fine line engraving to render textures and light, distinguishing the sheen of metal, the softness of fabric, and the reflective surfaces of scientific instruments. The composition balances intricate detail with a clear spatial arrangement, guiding the viewer’s eye across the desk’s clutter.

Context

Printed in the late sixteenth century, the work reflects contemporary interest in astronomy and the emerging scientific method. The inclusion of a telescope—a relatively new invention—places the scene within the period’s expanding horizon of empirical inquiry.

Legacy

As a visual document of early modern scholarly practice, the engraving offers insight into the material culture of scientific study. Its precise depiction of tools and setting has informed later interpretations of Renaissance intellectual life and the visual representation of science.