Ornamental Panel Surmounted by Two Putti and a Vase
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 Two Putti and a Vase is a 1647 ink by Michel Dorigny, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image is a black-and-white drawing packed with swirling details. At the top, two chubby, winged kids (putti) hold up a fancy vase with flowers spilling over. Below, a heavy pedestal supports a globe and more twisted shapes—like a mix of stonework and vines. The whole thing looks carved from stone but is actually ink on paper. The putti and globe might hint at something symbolic, but the real trick is how the artist used lines to make it look three-dimensional. Every curve and shadow plays with light and depth. Next, check out etching to see how artists like this made such sharp, layered prints.
