Artwork
Landscape with a Lake
Landscape with a Lake is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1528 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1528, this etching presents a tranquil, undulating terrain centered on a lake that reflects the surrounding hills.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1528, this etching presents a tranquil, undulating terrain centered on a lake that reflects the surrounding hills. Sparse, leafless trees punctuate the composition, while modest structures—ranging from fortified towers to simple dwellings—nestle on the slopes. The work captures a moment of quiet observation, emphasizing the overall shape of the landscape over fine ornamental detail.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays a serene natural setting where water, land, and architecture coexist in a balanced arrangement. By positioning the lake as the focal point and surrounding it with modest human habitations, the artist suggests a harmonious relationship between nature and settlement, inviting viewers to contemplate the calmness of the countryside.
Technique & Style
Executed with the etching process, the artist employed swift, gestural lines that vary from loosely sketched to more sharply defined areas. This approach yields a texture that feels both tentative and purposeful, characteristic of early 16th‑century landscape studies linked to the Danube School’s attention to atmospheric depth and structural clarity.
History & Provenance
The piece originates from Augustin Hirschvogel, a German practitioner known for his work in mathematics, cartography, and printmaking. Although he later produced a celebrated series of small landscape etchings between 1545 and 1549, this earlier print demonstrates his initial engagement with the Danube School’s aesthetic, marking an important step in his artistic development.
Artist & collection
Artist
Augustin Hirschvogel (1503 – February 1553) was a German artist, mathematician, and cartographer known primarily for his etchings.
