Ornamental Panel Surmounted by a Winged Harpy
1647
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1647
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a fancy, black-and-white design packed with swirling lines and strange creatures. At the top sits a winged figure with a human head and bird’s body, perched above a shield with a small scene inside. Below, two lions flank a vase on a pedestal, while flowers, scrolls, and tiny putti fill the corners. The whole thing looks like a busy border around a blank center. The artist used sharp lines and deep shadows to make everything look three-dimensional, even though it’s just ink on paper. This style was popular in the 1600s for decorating buildings and books. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this carved their designs into metal.
