Moral Emblems: The Sun's Chariot
Engraving, part of a set of 20 moral emblems, each designated by a letter of the alphabet. The set was designed by Jean Delaune and engraved by his father, Étienne Delaune, in 1580. It explores the theme of vanity in mundane things, denouncing the artifices of the world (beauty, pleasure, luxury...), and praising virtue. This print represents a landscape with the Sun's chariot flying over it, driven by Apollo, and pulled by four horses. On the upper right corner are the moon and stars. Although it is likely that this print had an allegorical meaning understandable for the viewers of its time, its meaning has become obscure to us. Since none of the elements of the picture seem to suggest a moralizing message, it is also possible that the print is only a representation of the route of the sun on the sky.
Artwork Details
- Title: Moral Emblems: The Sun's Chariot
- Engraver: Engraved by Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg)
- Artist: Designed by Jean Delaune (French, 1559–?)
- Date: 1580
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 2 13/16 × 3 7/8 in. (7.1 × 9.8 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1947
- Object Number: 47.139.61
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.