Artwork
The King's Son
The King's Son is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Melchior Lorch. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The King's Son is a 1551 woodcut by Melchior Lorch, depicting a solemn gathering of five robed figures in a forest, set against a backdrop of a distant, hilltop city with a river, under a sky of swirling clouds.
Subject & Meaning
The woodcut shows a group of five robed figures in a forest, including one with a staff, another leaning on a tree, and a child holding a small animal. Their serious demeanor suggests a narrative or moral context, though the specific story or lesson is not explicitly identified.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut, the image features bold black lines on a light background, characteristic of the medium. The simplicity of the color scheme contrasts with the intricacy of details in the twisted trees, architectural elements, and expressive figures.
History & Provenance
Created in 1551 by Melchior Lorch, the woodcut's provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
The King's Son reflects the Renaissance interest in combining natural and architectural settings with figurative scenes, often conveying moral or biblical themes through solemn, engaged groups.
Legacy
The woodcut demonstrates Lorch's contribution to the woodcut tradition of the 16th century, though its broader influence or reception history is not specified in the given details.
Artist & collection
