How Do You Spell MELENCOLIA I?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛlənkˈə͡ʊli͡əɹ ˈa͡ɪ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "melencolia i" can be a bit confusing due to the archaic lettering of the time period it originated from. To break it down phonetically, the first word sounds like "mel-an-koh-lee-uh" and the second word is just a Roman numeral "one". It is important to note that the "c" in "melencolia" is actually an archaic version of the letter "k". This piece of information helps shed light on why this word may be difficult to spell for modern-day English speakers.

MELENCOLIA I Meaning and Definition

1. Melencolia I is a term that refers to a specific engraving created by the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer in 1514. It is considered one of his most famous and enigmatic works.

   The engraving depicts a seated angel or genius figure surrounded by various symbols and objects. The angel appears sorrowful and contemplative, with her head resting on her hand. She holds a pair of compasses, indicating the presence of geometry or measurement. The other objects in the image, such as a magic square, a bell, and a hourglass, represent different aspects of human knowledge, art, and the passage of time. These objects are scattered around the angel in a chaotic and disorderly manner, suggesting a sense of melancholy or a lack of fulfillment despite the abundance of knowledge.

   The term "melencolia i" is derived from the Greek word "melancholia," which translates to "black bile." In medieval and Renaissance medicine, melancholy was believed to be one of the four temperaments associated with the dominance of black bile in the body, leading to sadness, introspection, and intellectual brilliance.

   Dürer's creation of Melencolia I has often been interpreted as an allegorical representation of the contemplative melancholic temperament, reflecting the melancholic artist's struggle with the search for knowledge, inspiration, and harmony in a complex and ever-changing world. The work has been widely studied and analyzed by art historians and scholars, contributing to its status as an iconic masterpiece of Renaissance art.

Etymology of MELENCOLIA I

The word "Melencolia I" is a German term that is derived from two sources:

1. "Melencolia"

- "Melencolia" is a Latin word that means "melancholy" or "sadness". It is derived from the Greek word "melas", meaning "black", and "cholē", meaning "bile". In ancient Greek and medieval medicine, melancholy was believed to be caused by an excess of black bile.

2. "I"

- The "I" in "Melencolia I" is a Roman numeral, indicating that it is the first of a series of engravings or artworks with the same title. Roman numerals were commonly used to distinguish between different pieces or editions of a work.

Together, "Melencolia I" refers to the first in a series of artworks titled "Melencolia" that explore themes of melancholy and sadness.