1574
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Prophet Joel is a 1574 ink by Giorgio Ghisi, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a dramatic ceiling scene. At the center, a bearded man in robes sits on a ledge, holding a scroll. Above him, the word "JOEL" is carved into the architecture. Around him, muscular nude figures pose in odd angles—some stretch upward, others lean forward, as if part of the building itself. Below, two more figures sit on curved ledges, one holding a scroll, the other cradling a child. The artist used fine lines to create depth, making the figures look three-dimensional even though the print is flat. The mix of clothed and nude bodies suggests this isn’t just a portrait but a story with deeper meaning. Next, check out engraving to see how artists like this one carved detailed scenes into metal plates.
Giorgio Ghisi (1520 — 15 December 1582) was an Italian engraver from Mantua who also worked in Antwerp and in France.
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