The Deluge
1551
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1551
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Deluge is a 1551 ink by Etienne Delaune, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows a busy black-and-white scene packed with strange creatures and swirling shapes. At the center, a group of people and animals huddle around a small temple or boat, while clouds and waves fill the background. Tall, ornate pillars frame the sides, and birds and mythical beasts float or crawl around the edges. The mix of human figures, animals, and dramatic clouds suggests a story about chaos or survival. The artist used sharp lines and shading to create depth and movement, even though it’s all in black and white. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one carved detailed images into metal.
