An Old Mummer Addressing a Couple Dressed in Feathers
1596
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1596
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white engraving shows three people in fancy costumes. The person on the left wears a tall, spiky hat and a heavy, textured coat. They hold a staff and a scroll. The person in the middle stands barefoot, dressed in a feathered cape and a belted tunic, holding a torch with flames. The person on the right wears a loose robe and a cap, gesturing with one hand. The feathers and torch suggest this might be a scene from a play or story. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, making the clothes look detailed. Next, check out how artists used engraving to create dramatic scenes.