Lente 1714 - 1762

This engraving, “Lente” or “Spring,” was created by Jakob Wangner. Its composition, rendered in fine lines, presents us with an allegorical celebration of the season. The artwork is structured around a central image framed by ornate botanical motifs. Two female figures, symbols of fertility and growth, stand prominently in the middle ground, while putti float above, signifying renewal. The composition is anchored by classical architectural elements on which recline allegorical figures. Wangner uses the graphic medium to explore contrasts and textures, from the smooth skin of the figures to the rough bark of the trees. This contrast creates a dynamic visual field that invites the eye to explore the piece in detail. The engraving’s formal qualities reflect a broader cultural interest in natural philosophy and the cyclical rhythms of nature. It is a reminder that the meanings of such images are never fixed, but are constantly renegotiated through the act of viewing.