Ornamental Panel Surmounted by a Maritime Scene and a Shell
1647
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1647
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Ornamental Panel Surmounted by a Maritime Scene and a Shell is a 1647 ink by Michel Dorigny, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a tall, fancy frame filled with busy details. At the top, two small figures hold up a curved arch with a ship sailing in a wavy sea. Below, a lush garden or forest scene fills the middle, surrounded by twisting vines and strange, leafy decorations. The edges are packed with more carved-looking plants, scrolls, and tiny animals peeking out. The ship at the top is the only real "scene" here—everything else is pattern. The artist packed every inch with swirls, leaves, and tiny shapes, like a busy wallpaper. Next, look up etching to see how this kind of print was made.
