Artwork

Plaustrum Belgicum (The Belgian Wagon)

Plaustrum Belgicum (The Belgian Wagon), by Lucas van Doetechum, ink, 1556
Plaustrum Belgicum (The Belgian Wagon), by Lucas van Doetechum, ink, 1556

Plaustrum Belgicum (The Belgian Wagon) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas van Doetechum. It dates from 1556 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Plaustrum Belgicum (The Belgian Wagon) is a print created by Lucas van Doetechum around 1556, combining etching and engraving techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene landscape with a prominent tree in the foreground, a distant village, rolling hills, and mountains. Figures in the scene include a man pushing a cart and another seated on a rock, engaging the viewer.

Technique & Style

The work showcases meticulous detail through intricate lines and textures, achieving depth and dimensionality. Effective use of shading and contrast enhances the atmospheric and emotional impact of the image.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1556 by Lucas van Doetechum, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

This etching and engraving reflects artistic practices of its time, aligning with the broader European Renaissance movement's emphasis on detailed realism and atmospheric depth.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of Plaustrum Belgicum are not provided, it contributes to the understanding of 16th-century printmaking techniques and the Renaissance aesthetic.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lucas van Doetechum

Artist

Lucas van Doetechum

Lucas van Doetechum (1501–1579) was an artist, born in Deventer.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.