Augustus II, Elector of Saxony
1608
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1608
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Augustus II, Elector of Saxony is a 1608 ink by Johan Barra, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This is a black-and-white portrait of an older man with a long beard and a fancy hat. He’s wearing heavy robes and a chain around his neck, holding a staff in one hand. The background looks like draped fabric, and the lines are all carved in carefully—no paint, just shadows and shading. The text at the top and bottom names him Augustus II, but the real trick here is how the artist used tiny lines to build up the face and clothes. It’s all about the detail in the wrinkles and folds. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made prints by carving into metal.
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