Artwork
Astrologia (Astrology)
Astrologia (Astrology) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Virgil Solis. It dates from 1538 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1538 by the German printmaker Virgil Solis, *Astrologia* is an engraving executed on a single sheet of paper.
Created in 1538 by the German printmaker Virgil Solis, *Astrologia* is an engraving executed on a single sheet of paper. The composition presents a densely populated sky filled with swirling clouds, celestial symbols and winged figures, while a modest architectural setting occupies the lower portion. The title appears in capital letters at the top, identifying the work’s focus on astrological subject matter.
Subject & Meaning
At the center of the image a female figure grasps a globe, suggesting the earth’s place within a cosmic order, while a cherubic attendant gestures upward toward the heavens. Surrounding them are zodiac signs, stars and instruments traditionally associated with the study of the heavens, reflecting the Renaissance belief that celestial movements exerted influence over earthly affairs.
Technique & Style
The piece is executed in the fine line work of copper engraving, a method that allowed Solis to render intricate details such as the delicate cloud formations and the minute astrological symbols. The stark black‑and‑white palette emphasizes contrast and texture, characteristic of Northern Renaissance printmaking, where precision and elaborate ornamentation were prized.
History & Provenance
Virgil Solis, born in Nuremberg in 1514 into a family of artists, spent most of his career in his native city, producing a prolific output of prints for a growing market. *Astrologia* is among his early works and exemplifies his engagement with popular intellectual themes of the time. The engraving has circulated in European collections since the mid‑16th century.
Context
The work belongs to the Northern Renaissance, a period marked by an intense interest in scientific inquiry and symbolic representation. Astrology, then considered a legitimate discipline, often appeared in visual culture as a means to illustrate the connection between the macrocosm and the microcosm. Solis’s engraving thus reflects contemporary scholarly pursuits and the era’s fascination with the heavens.
Artist & collection
Artist
Virgil Solis or Virgilius Solis (1514 – 1 August 1562), a member of a prolific family of artists, was a German draughtsman and printmaker in engraving, etching and woodcut who worked in his native city of Nuremberg.
