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Three Crowns Supported by Two Sceptres [right half]

Dutch 17th Century

1650

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

Dominant colour

Three Crowns Supported by Two Sceptres [right half] is a 1650 ink by Dutch 17th Century, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Dutch 17th Century
When & what style?: 1650 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows a small, detailed circle packed with symbols. In the center, three crowns sit on top of two tall sceptres. Around them are geometric shapes—triangles, circles, and stars—all tightly packed. The edges of the circle have more designs: a crescent moon, a sun, and what looks like a bird or winged creature. The artist used a technique called cross-hatching to create shadows and texture. Tiny parallel lines build up dark areas, making the shapes pop. This kind of precision was common in Baroque-era art. Check out technique: cross-hatching to see how it works in other prints.