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The Partitioning of the Globe between Spain and Portugal

Willem Basse

1634

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

The Partitioning of the Globe between Spain and Portugal is a 1634 ink by Willem Basse, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Willem Basse
When & what style?: 1634 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a group of people in fancy clothes, gathered around a table with a globe on it. One man in the center wears a crown and holds a scroll, while others stand or lean in. The globe sits on a stand, and a map is draped over the table. Everyone looks serious, like they’re making an important decision. The globe and map suggest this scene is about dividing land between two countries. The artist used sharp lines and shading to show the textures of the clothes and objects. Next, look up etching to see how this technique works.