Artwork
Scroll Ornament with Seated Child
Scroll Ornament with Seated Child is a print by the Northern Renaissance artist Heinrich Aldegrever. It dates from 1532 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Scroll Ornament with Seated Child is a 1532 engraving by Heinrich Aldegrever, a German artist of the 'Little Masters' group, known for small-scale, intricately designed prints.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving features a serene, chubby child seated amidst lush foliage, holding a branch adorned with rounded leaves and berries, blending figural representation with ornate decoration, possibly symbolizing a guardian of nature.
Technique & Style
Executed in dark, textured lines, the print showcases Aldegrever's detailed, decorative style characteristic of his era, with swirling vines and flowers filling the background.
History & Provenance
Created in 1532 by Heinrich Aldegrever, this work follows in the tradition of Albrecht Dürer, reflecting the transitional aesthetic of its time.
Context
This piece is emblematic of Renaissance printmaking, particularly the 'Little Masters' style, which emphasized small, elaborate designs.
Legacy
As part of Aldegrever's oeuvre, it contributes to the legacy of intricate, decorative prints of the 16th century, influencing subsequent artistic movements.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Heinrich Aldegrever or Aldegraf (1502–1555, 1558 or 1561) was a German painter and engraver. He was one of the "Little Masters", the group of German artists making small old master prints in the generation after Albrecht Dürer.
