Melencolia (Melancholy)

1539

Sebald Beham

Associated Names
Sebald Beham

Artist, German, 1500 - 1550

The image depicts a seated winged figure, likely an angel. The figure is seated with one elbow resting on a book on their knee and their head supported by their hand. The angel has closed eyes and a calm expression, with intricate curly hair. They wear a flowing robe cinched at the waist, and are surrounded by objects like a compass, an orb, an hourglass, and various geometrical tools. In the background, there is a textured surface resembling stonework or masonry, with a distant structure visible. The image has a monochrome tone highlighting detailed lines and textures.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 7.8 x 5.1 cm (3 1/16 x 2 in.)
    sheet: 8.1 x 5.4 cm (3 3/16 x 2 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.1077

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 148, State iv/vi

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1966

  • Masters of Etching and Engraving from the Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection, Lakeview Center for the Arts and Sciences, Peoria, IL, 1966, no. 22.

1969

  • Symbols in Transformation: Iconographic Themes at the Time of the Reformation, Princeton University Art Museum, 1969, no. 20, repro.

Bibliography

1901

  • Pauli, Gustav. Hans Sebald Beham: ein kritisches Verzeichnis seiner Kupferstiche, Radierungen und Holzschnitte. Studien zur deutschen Kunstgeschichte_ 33. Strasbourg: J.H. Ed. Heitz, 1901: no. 145, iv/vi.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Sebald Beham, Anne Röver-Kann, author). Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel: Sound & Vision Publishers, 2024: no. 148, iv/vi.

Wikidata ID

Q64961461

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