Who painted Poesia (Poetry)?

Poesia (Poetry) was painted by Master of the E-Series Tarocchi in 1465.

Where can I see Poesia (Poetry)?

Poesia (Poetry) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Poesia (Poetry)?

Poesia (Poetry) is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Poesia (Poetry)

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi , 1465

Poesia (Poetry) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Master of the E-Series Tarocchi. It dates from 1465 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Poesia, a print created around 1465, is attributed to the anonymous Master of the E‑Series Tarocchi.

About this work

Overview

Executed as an engraving with traces of gilding, the work measures a modest size typical of early Renaissance prints.

Poesia, a print created around 1465, is attributed to the anonymous Master of the E‑Series Tarocchi. Executed as an engraving with traces of gilding, the work measures a modest size typical of early Renaissance prints. It portrays a seated female figure amid a verdant setting, accompanied by a decorative fountain and a musical instrument, reflecting the period’s interest in allegorical personifications.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, a woman in a flowing robe crowned with a wreath, is commonly interpreted as an embodiment of poetry. She holds a recorder in her right hand, suggesting the link between verse and music, while her left hand rests on an ornamental object that may symbolize inspiration. The surrounding foliage and the nearby fountain create an idyllic backdrop that reinforces the theme of artistic harmony.

Technique & Style

The engraving demonstrates the Master’s skill in line work, employing fine cross‑hatching to render textures of fabric, foliage, and stone. Subtle gilding accents highlight the wreath and parts of the fountain, adding a luminous quality. The composition balances intricate detail with a clear, organized layout, characteristic of mid‑15th‑century Italian printmaking that sought to emulate the clarity of panel painting.

History & Provenance

Poesia belongs to a series of prints associated with the so‑called E‑Series Tarocchi, a set of allegorical cards produced in the mid‑1400s. The work’s authorship remains anonymous, identified only by the stylistic grouping of similar prints. Surviving copies are held in several European collections, indicating its circulation among collectors of early printed art during the Renaissance.