Grotesque with Strapwork in the Form of a Cartouche
Johannes van Doetechum the Elder
1557
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Johannes van Doetechum the Elder
1557
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print is packed with strange, swirling figures and plants. At the center, a shield-shaped panel shows a face and a lion’s head, framed by vines and fruits. Around it, people—some naked, some in armor—pose in odd ways: one holds a shield, another leans on a spear, and others look like they’re caught mid-motion. The edges curve like a fancy frame, with more twisted bodies and leaves spilling over. The mix of human and animal faces, along with the tangled vines, was a common way to show hidden meanings in Renaissance art. This style often played with weirdness to hint at deeper ideas. Look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
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