America
1575
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1575
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
America is a 1575 ink by Etienne Delaune, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a woman kneeling on a rocky shore, holding a cross and a book. Behind her, a shipwrecked man clings to the rocks, while a small boat floats nearby. Waves crash around them, and a few figures in the distance watch from land. The word "AMERICA" is stamped below, suggesting this scene might symbolize faith or survival in the New World. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth. Try looking up engraving to see how artists built shadows with just ink and a burin.
