Lillo was painted by Wenceslaus Hollar in 1632.

Where can I see Lillo?

Lillo is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lillo?

Lillo is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Lillo

Wenceslaus Hollar , 1632

Lillo is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1632, this etching on laid paper portrays a bustling harbor filled with numerous vessels.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1632, this etching on laid paper portrays a bustling harbor filled with numerous vessels. Tall masts and billowing sails dominate the foreground, while a distant cityscape with a bridge rises behind the choppy water. The artist’s signature, the name of the port, appears in the upper right margin, identifying the scene as Lillo.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures the commercial vitality of a 17th‑century port, emphasizing the interaction between sea traffic and urban life. The dense arrangement of ships, ropes, and flags suggests a hub of trade, while the silhouetted skyline hints at the economic and defensive importance of the harbor within its regional context.

Technique & Style

Executed with fine, cross‑hatching lines characteristic of etching, the artist renders water, rigging, and architectural details with meticulous precision. The use of laid paper provides a subtle texture that enhances the contrast between the dark ink and the light ground, allowing intricate elements such as individual ropes and wave crests to emerge clearly.

History & Provenance

The work originates from Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech‑born printmaker who settled in England and became renowned for his topographical and cityscape prints. Produced during his early English period, the piece reflects Hollar’s observational approach to documenting places, a practice that continued throughout his prolific career until his death in 1677.

Artist & collection

Artist

Wenceslaus Hollar

Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.