Mercury and Venus
1520
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Hans Burgkmair the Elder
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German artist, born in Augsburg.
See the richer artist page1520
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Mercury and Venus is a 1520 ink by Hans Burgkmair the Elder, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows two figures in a wild, tangled forest. One stands tall, holding a staff, while the other kneels, reaching toward them. The trees twist around them like ropes, and the sky above is thick with swirling clouds. The whole scene feels crowded, with every line sharp and full of movement. Notice how the artist used only black lines on white paper to create depth and emotion. The way the figures’ clothes and the leaves blend into the background shows skill with a simple tool. Try looking up etching to see how this technique works.
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German artist, born in Augsburg.
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