Spring from the series The Four Seasons 1589 - 1600

Matthaeus Greuter made this engraving called ‘Spring’ in the early 17th century. It’s a detailed work, full of classical references reflecting the tastes of the educated elite in Europe at that time. Look at how Greuter uses classical imagery to represent the season. The figure is adorned with leaves, a symbol of growth, and surrounded by zodiac signs associated with spring. The landscape in the background, populated with figures, evokes a sense of rebirth and renewal, common themes in Renaissance art, which often drew on earlier Greek and Roman models. This print reflects the culture of its time, steeped in classical learning and using art to express complex ideas about nature and society. As art historians, we can delve deeper, researching the meanings of symbols like zodiac signs and the broader cultural significance of the seasons. We can use such resources to reveal the rich layers of meaning embedded in this image. Art is a reflection of its time, deeply connected to its social and intellectual environment.