David Casting Off His Robes at the News of the Death of His Son
1540
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1540
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
David Casting Off His Robes at the News of the Death of His Son is a 1540 ink by Heinrich Aldegrever, a northern_renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows two men in heavy robes, one kneeling and tearing at his clothes while the other leans in, pointing urgently. The scene looks dramatic, with wrinkled faces and loose fabric swirling around them. A building with columns and steps sits behind them, and the text at the top reads like a Latin phrase. The torn clothing and intense expressions suggest deep grief—this isn’t just any scene. The artist used sharp lines to show emotion and movement, which was a big deal back then. Next, check out how this print was made using etching.
