The Conquest of Ignorance
1564
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1564
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Conquest of Ignorance is a 1564 ink by René Boyvin, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a chaotic, crowded scene with people tangled in movement. Some are reaching upward, others are falling or struggling on the ground. A few figures wear robes, while others are nearly naked. In the background, a building with columns stands, and a small statue of a woman appears on top. The artist used sharp lines and shading to create a sense of drama and depth. The mix of clothed and unclothed figures might symbolize different states of mind or knowledge. Look up engraving to see how artists like Boyvin created detailed images using only a burin and ink.
