1567
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Shrove Tuesday is a 1567 ink by Pieter van der Heyden, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This crowded scene shows a wild mix of people—some standing, some sitting—all dressed in old-fashioned clothes. A few hold food or tools, while others look like they’re playing music or just goofing off. Above them, a small picture shows a saint holding a cross. The floor is messy, with pots, a dog, and a cat lying around. Everyone looks busy, but no one seems to be doing the same thing. The artist packed a lot into this small space, using sharp lines to show every detail. The text at the bottom is in two languages, which might hint at a message about the chaos of the day. Try looking up engraving to see how artists like this one carved tiny details into metal.
Pieter van der Heyden (c. 1530 - after March 1572) was a Flemish printmaker who is known for his reproductive engravings after works by leading Flemish painters and designers of the 16th century.
See the richer artist page
