Ornament Panel: Nereid and Two Children Playing Musical Instruments
1510
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1510
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a tall, narrow scene with two cherubic kids playing instruments at the top. Below them, a woman with a fish’s tail (a nereid) stands beside a fancy vase. Smaller figures and swirling patterns fill the rest of the space, like vines and scrolls. The letters "D MAR V" might hint at a name or dedication, but the exact meaning isn’t clear. The whole thing looks like it was carved into metal with sharp tools. Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
