1539
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Cognicio (Cognition) is a 1539 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a winged figure with a serious face, pointing upward toward a tiny scene of a person climbing a ladder. The figure holds a spear in one hand and a scroll in the other, standing next to a small barrel and a book. The background looks like a city with buildings and a ladder leaning against a wall. The word "COGNICIO" is written at the top, which likely ties to the title *Cognicio* (meaning "Cognition"). The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth and texture. Look up engraving to see how artists like Beham carved detailed images into metal plates.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
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