Cross Panel with Vine in Center and Tritons' Couple
1537
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1537
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a busy scene of naked figures tangled in vines and leaves. Some look like playful kids, others like half-human sea creatures with fish tails. In the middle, a tall vine splits the picture, and a couple leans together under it. The edges are packed with swirling patterns and tiny faces peeking out. The artist used fine lines to build up shadows and textures, making everything look carved from stone. This kind of detailed linework is called *cross-hatching*—layers of lines stacked to create depth. Try searching technique: engraving to see how artists like this made prints.
