Saturnus 1579 - 1609

This tiny engraving of Saturn, made by Wierix around the turn of the 17th century, is a powerful statement on the anxieties of dynastic succession. Saturn, the Roman god of time, is often depicted as a stern, old man, but here he is shown as a cannibalistic monster, devouring his own children to prevent them from usurping his power. The print's visual codes, like the scythe, a symbol of mortality, and the desolate landscape, evoke a sense of dread and the inexorable passage of time. Made in the Netherlands, a region grappling with political upheaval and religious conflict, this image would have resonated deeply. The Dutch Republic was still a relatively new entity, and questions of leadership and stability were paramount. The print invites us to reflect on the social conditions that shape artistic production. By consulting historical texts and studying the cultural context in which it was made, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and relevance.