1582
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Design for a Pendant with a Winged Sea-Monster Carrying Venus Anadyomene on a Shell and a Man with an Oar is a 1582 ink by Adriaen Collaert, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a wild sea-monster with wings and a scaly body, rising from the waves. On its back sits a woman holding a seashell, while a man with an oar balances beside her. Above them floats a fanciful crown with swirls and teardrop shapes hanging down. The artist used fine lines and shading to give the scene depth, making the textures of the monster’s scales and the woman’s skin look almost real. This kind of detailed linework is typical of engravings from the time. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this created sharp, precise images.
Adriaen Collaert (1560–1618) was a Flemish artist, born in Antwerp.
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