Artwork
Mvsica (Music)
Mvsica (Music) 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
Mvsica (Music) is an engraving created by Virgil Solis in 1538. Solis was a German draughtsman and printmaker from Nuremberg, known for his work in various printmaking techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a woman playing a violin accompanied by a cherub holding sheet music, surrounded by swirling clouds and ornate scrolls. The scene is topped by the bold inscription 'Mvsica' and features a small town on a hill below.
Technique & Style
The print showcases Solis's skillful use of intricate linework, with detailed renderings of leaves and fabric folds that bring the scene to life. The level of precision achieved through engraving techniques is evident in the work's overall texture and visual complexity.
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.
