Infortunium (Misfortune)
1541
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1541
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Infortunium (Misfortune) is a 1541 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving depicts a woman with wings, dressed in a long robe, standing on a rocky terrain. She is surrounded by a small, winged creature and a large bird, possibly a vulture or eagle. The woman's facial expression is one of sadness or despair. The woman's wings are spread wide, and her arms are outstretched, as if she is about to take flight. The small creature beside her appears to be holding onto her robe, while the large bird looks on with an air of menace. The overall atmosphere of the scene is one of turmoil and upheaval. The level of detail in this engraving is impressive, with intricate cross-hatching used to create texture and depth. For more information on the technique used in this engraving, look up "cross-hatching".
