The Death of Cato
1634
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1634
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows Cato the Younger bleeding on the ground after stabbing himself. Blood pools under his body. A sword lies nearby. The scene feels cold and quiet. Basse used etching and drypoint to make the lines sharp and deep. Drypoint scratches the plate, leaving burrs that catch ink. The effect gives shadows a rough, scratchy look. If you like this rough style, try Rembrandt.
![The Death of Tancred [left]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/c0a4b5e0d77d5ed0/thumb.webp)
![The Challenge [right]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/75162e00e6876b27/thumb.webp)
