1539
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Charitas (Charity) is a 1539 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows three figures in a tight group. A muscular man holds a child close, while another child reaches up toward them. The man’s face is serious, and the kids look small and vulnerable. Behind them, a curtain frames the scene, with Latin words at the top. The artist used fine lines and shading to show the figures’ muscles and expressions. The Latin text reads *Charitas*, which means "Charity," hinting this is about kindness. Next, check out how engraving works to create such detailed textures.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
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