Ornament with Three Satyrs
1542
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1542
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows three playful satyrs holding up decorative patterns. Their goat legs and horns peek out from behind swirling vines. One satyr grins while holding a round frame. Sebald Beham made small prints like this for collectors. He carved the lines so carefully that shadows look real. The cross-hatching technique makes the satyrs pop off the page. The dark lines and tiny details remind me of Albrecht Dürer’s work. Look up Dürer’s engravings next.
