Virgil in a Basket
1512 - 1516
Medium
paper
Dimensions
287; 410
About this artwork
collector's mark: Lugt 240
Art Historical Context
**Virgil in a** is a captivating engraving by Lucas van Leyden, a prodigious Dutch artist of the Northern Renaissance (1494–1533). between 1512 and1516, this work on paper measures 410 mm high by 287 mm wide, showcasing van Leyden's early mastery as one of the era's finest printmakers. The title refers to a whimsical medieval legend about the Roman poet Virgil, as a sorcerer hoisted aloft in a basket—a tale blending folklore, humor, and moral caution that captivated Renaissance audiences. Van Leyden, often compared to Albrecht Dürer for his technical brilliance, employed intricate line work t...
About the Artist
Lucas van Leyden · 1484–1533
Lucas van Leyden (1494–1533) was a Dutch painter and printmaker who stands among the greatest engravers of the Northern Renaissance. Born in Leiden as either Lucas Hugensz or Lucas Jacobsz, he lived and worked primarily in his native city, achieving international renown that rivaled the German master Albrecht Dürer. Lucas van Leyden revolutionized Netherlandish printmaking and was among the first...