1542
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Genius with Alphabet is a 1542 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a winged figure with curly hair, holding a scroll with letters. Around the figure are big circles with more letters—like a mix of ABCs and symbols. The background is dark with swirling patterns, and the whole scene looks carved into the surface. The letters might stand for something special, but the figure’s pose and wings suggest it’s not just a regular person. The artist used lines to create shadows and depth, making the shapes pop. Look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
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