Artwork
Dies V (Fifth Day)
Dies V (Fifth Day) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jan Muller. It dates from 1589 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Dies V (Fifth Day) is an engraving executed on laid paper in 1589 by the Dutch artist Jan Harmensz. Muller. The print presents a densely composed scene of interwoven figures and forms, rendered in monochrome with a vigorous interplay of line and shadow. It is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a tumultuous gathering where human silhouettes merge with cloud‑like shapes, suggesting a fusion of earthly and celestial elements. The overlapping figures convey a sense of disorder and movement, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of chaos, transformation, or perhaps a narrative linked to the biblical “Fifth Day.”
Technique & Style
Muller employed fine, closely spaced cross‑hatching to build tonal depth, while varying line weight creates areas of emphasis and recession. The use of thick, bold strokes alongside delicate, fading lines adds visual tension, producing a texture that feels both dense and atmospheric. The engraving’s intricate line work exemplifies late‑16th‑century Northern European printmaking.
History & Provenance
Born in Amsterdam in 1571, Jan Harmensz. Muller learned engraving in his father’s printing and publishing workshop before a formative trip to Italy. After returning, he assumed control of the family business and continued to produce prints until his death in 1628. Dies V entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings as part of its European print collection.
Context
Muller’s work reflects the broader Dutch engagement with Italian artistic ideas during the late Renaissance, integrating complex compositional schemes with the meticulous line work characteristic of Northern engraving. The print’s allegorical density aligns with contemporary interests in biblical and mythological subjects rendered through dynamic visual narratives.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Harmensz. Muller (1571–1628) was a Dutch engraver and painter. Muller was born in Amsterdam. His father was a book printer, engraver and publisher. He learned the engraving trade while working in the family…
