Sol, plate four from Der VII Planeten

Art Historical Context

**Sol, Plate Four from *Der VII Planeten*** Conrad Meyer, a skilled 17th-century Swiss engraver, crafted this delicate etching as the fourth plate in his series *Der VII Planeten* ( Seven Planets), depicting Sol, the radiant personification of the Sun. Though undated, Meyer's works from around 1650–1700 reflect the era's fascination with celestial mythology, blending astrology, alchemy, and classical gods. In Baroque Europe, such planetary allegories symbolized cosmic order and human fate, often appearing in books or scholarly collections to educate and inspire wonder. This intimate etching, measuring just 6.9 × 4.9 cm on creamy ivory laid paper, showcases Meyer's mastery of the etching technique. By drawing acid-resistant ground on a metal plate and submerging it in acid, he achieved precise, velvety lines that capture Sol's glowing aura and dynamic pose—likely surrounded by symbolic rays or attributes evoking light, power, and vitality. The small scale and black ink on laid paper (with its subtle texture from wire molds) made it ideal for portable albums or illustrated volumes, democratizing fine art for collectors. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Department, *Sol* exemplifies how printmaking revolutionized access to intricate imagery. Imagine flipping through a leather-bound tome, encountering the Sun god's fierce gaze—a reminder of humanity's enduring quest to map the heavens. (198 words)

About the Artist

Conrad Meyer · 1618–1689

Comment on works: Portraits; Figures; Landscapes