1544
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Mask Held by Two Genii is a 1544 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This picture shows two winged figures holding a big mask between them. The mask has wild hair, a beard, and a fierce look. The figures have curly hair, wings, and look strong. The whole scene is drawn with sharp lines and dark shading. The mask might stand for something bigger—maybe an idea or a warning. The artist used a tool to carve these lines into metal, then inked it. Next, look up engraving to see how this print was made.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
See the richer artist page
