Allegory of Life

About this work

This image is a busy black-and-white scene packed with tiny details. On the left, a robed figure stands on a rocky shore, pointing toward a distant city glowing with light. To the right, a woman holds a staff and looks out over a stormy sea. Strange creatures swim below, and angels or figures float in the sky. The background mixes a dark forest, a winding river, and a map-like view of a city. Notice how the artist uses fine lines to create shadows and depth—this is called cross-hatching. The tiny text at the bottom names the artist and the year, 1561. Want to see more like this? Look up technique: engraving.