1542
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Ornament with Palmette and Two Dophin Heads is a 1542 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image is a black-and-white print packed with swirly lines. You see two dolphin heads at the bottom, facing each other. Above them are curved leaves, flowers, and scrolls that fill the whole space. The lines are tight and dark, making some shapes pop out. The artist used tiny, repeated lines to build up shadows and depth. This isn’t paint—it’s carved into a metal plate. Next, check out how engraving works.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
See the richer artist page
