Aristotle and Phyllis - Hans Brosamer

A detailed sixteenth-century engraving by Hans Brosamer depicting the moralising legend of the philosopher Aristotle being ridden by Phyllis.

This engraving by Hans Brosamer depicts the medieval legend of Aristotle and Phyllis. The narrative tells of the philosopher Aristotle, who warns his pupil, Alexander the Great, against the charms of the woman Phyllis. In retaliation, Phyllis seduces the elderly philosopher, convincing him to crawl on all fours so that she may ride upon his back. Brosamer captures the moment Phyllis wields a whip, asserting her control over the humiliated scholar.

The composition reflects the German Renaissance interest in moralising tales and didactic imagery. Brosamer, active in Fulda and Erfurt, employs a precise engraving technique to delineate the figures and the architectural backdrop. The background features a detailed cityscape with gabled houses and towers, typical of the period's fascination with urban settings. The contrast between the foreground figures and the distant architecture creates a sense of depth, while the cross-hatching provides texture to the clothing and the stone surfaces.

Brosamer was a member of the 'Little Masters', a group of German printmakers known for their small-scale, highly detailed works. This print demonstrates the technical skill common to the group, with fine lines used to render the folds of Phyllis's dress and the weathered features of Aristotle. The work serves as a visual representation of the 'Power of Women' topos, a popular theme in European art during the sixteenth century. It functions as a cautionary tale regarding the frailty of human wisdom when confronted with desire. The inclusion of the artist's monogram, HB, on the architectural element to the right, confirms the attribution to Brosamer. This print remains a representative example of the graphic arts produced in the Holy Roman Empire during the mid-sixteenth century, reflecting the period's preoccupation with classical themes filtered through a contemporary lens.