Design for a Pendant with Sea-Monster Carrying a Woman on a Shell Flanked by a Triton and a Man with an Oar
1582
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1582
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a wild scene: a giant sea monster with sharp teeth and swirling waves is carrying a woman on a shell. Two men are near her—one holds an oar, the other plays a flute. Above them, two snakes twist around a fancy crown-like shape with dangling teardrop ornaments. The artist packed a lot into a small space. The woman looks calm, while the men seem to be helping or watching. The whole thing is drawn with fine lines, giving it a detailed but slightly eerie feel. Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists create these sharp, precise lines.
