Earth
1568
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1568
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Earth is a 1568 ink by Jost Amman, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a globe-shaped frame filled with swirling vines, fruits, and tiny cherubs. The center is blank, like an empty stage, while the edges teem with grapes, leaves, and ornate scrolls. Two small putti peek out from the sides, holding up the design like it’s a curtain. The empty center might symbolize Earth itself—just a shell waiting to be filled with meaning. This kind of symbolic picture was common in the Renaissance, where artists used hidden clues to tell stories. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Amman carved these fine lines into metal.
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