1563
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Ornament is a 1563 ink by Theodor de Bry, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image is a tall, narrow engraving framed like a decorative border. At the top, there’s a crown-like shape with swirls and circles. Below it, two scenes show people in robes and classical-style figures—one standing, one kneeling. The lines are sharp, with lots of shading made by tiny parallel marks. The text at the top reads *"PERFECTAMOS"* and below the scenes it says *"GENESIS III."* This hints it’s telling a story from the Bible’s Book of Genesis. The detailed patterns and figures look like they’re from a time when artists focused on precision and symbolism. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Bry created these intricate lines.
Theodor de Bry (also Theodorus de Bry; 1528 – 27 March 1598) was a Walloon engraver, goldsmith, editor and publisher, famous for his depictions of early European expeditions to the Americas.
See the richer artist page
